The Improvement Era

Sympathy Is Grateful

When you're sorrowing. But it doesn't
pay bills. An insurance policy is full
of the right sort of sympathy when
your property is destroyed. And no
one should neglect to secure protection
against such a contingency. We give
you the maximum of insurance at min-
imum of cost. Let us quote you rates.

Home Fire Insurance Go. of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah. 22 Main Street.
"Keep Money at Home."

The Panama — California Exposition

SAN niFP.n Open January 1.
OAV1-N L^IHAjW closes Dec. 31, 1915.

The Panama-Pacific International Ex-

portion SAN FRANCISCO

Opens Febrnary 80, close December 4, 1915

Excursion Rates in Effedt Daily

to November 30th, 1915

Inclusive

UNION
PACIFIC

Rate will be in effect via Salt Lake and Los
Angeles going, and returning via San Fran-
cisco and Portland, or going via Portland
and San Francisco, returning via Los An-
geles and Salt Lake, or returning in either
case via San Franoisco or Ogden.

Consult any O. S. L. Agent for rates, de.
soriptive literature, etc., or write,

D. E. BTJRLBY, Gen'l Passenger Agent,

Salt Lake City, Utah

Higher Priesthood
Quorums Attention !

The Text Book to be used in
all the higher Priesthood Qy rums
and Sunday School Theological
Classes during 1916 is the great
work just issued from the press of
The Deseret News entitled

"Jesus TheChrist"

By Elder James E. Talmage of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Send your orders in early.
Bound in 3-4 leather, $1.50 post
paid.

Oeseret News Book Store

Headquarters For All Church Boohs

6 Mill) STHEET, SILT LAKE CITY

CALIFORNIA

WHERE IT'S SUMMER
ALL WINTER

Long Beach San Diego

Venice Santa Barbara

Ocean Park Rediands

Catalina Island Pomona

Riverside

WHERE YOU WILL ENJOY
A VACATION AND REST

Three Good Trains Every Day

Excursion Tickets on Sale Daily

Six Months Limit

CITY TICKET OFFICE,
10 East Third South St.
Phones Wasatch 3501-2.

J. H. MANDERFIELD. A.G.P.A.

Salt Lake City

WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION WE IMPROVEMENT ERA

The Letter

I held the dainty letter to my lips,
And dreamed awhile ere broken was its seal ;
The hot blood sped to brain and finger tips,
My quickened heart-beats dizzy made me feel.
Then from my temples in my ears were sounds
Like to the hurried beating of a bell;
My sluggish pulses changed to rapture bounds,
You know the why, what need my words to tell?
Unopened, yet a message I might read,
In fragrance that from out thy letter came,
And for long time my passion thus to feed,
I breathed it deep, and whispered still thy name :
Love is this truth — that fate this gift yet owes,
To kiss thy lips as now I kiss the rose?

ALFRED LAMBOURNE.

Photo from the original relief in Thorvaldsen's Museum, Copenhagen.

Winter

This relief medallion is one of the four which Thorvaldsen exe-
cuted in 1836, and known as "The Seasons." They are, perhaps, the
hest known and most often reproduced of any of his many remarkable
works to be found in the museum in Copenhagen bearing his name. In
"The Seasons" he has illustrated, as well, the four periods in human
life: childhood, youth, middle age, and old age; corresponding to spring
summer, autumn, and winter. In "Winter" we see old age taking com-
fort by the lamp and fireside, the only companion the cat.

Improvement Era

Vol. XIX JANUARY, 1916 No. 3

Is Man Immortal?

IN THREE PARTS — PART I

BY JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR., OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE

Many are the conflicting doctrines taught throughout Chris-
tendom regarding the soul and its redemption, all of which are
based on various interpretations of the Bible by the different sects.
One class of believers say that man is composed of a triple entity,
the natural, or physical body, combined in mortality with an im-
material, immortal counterpart, composed of the spirit, and the
soul, "bound together as the joints and marrow of the backbone,
and that it requires the searching eye of Him with whom we have
to do * * * to distinguish between the soul of man and
man's spirit * * * so closely connected as to defy dissection."

Others believe that man is of dual character, composed of
the mortal body and immaterial, immortal spirit, or soul, the terms
being interchangeable, and referring to the "divine essence or
spark that comes from God," and constitutes the vital part of man.
This soul, or spirit, is especially characterized by the attributes of
self-consciousness, reason and emotions, "having intelligent faculty
and existence independently of the substantial organism with
which it is associated." Such are the views of the dominant
Christian sects, who also quite generally believe that the mortal,
or physical, body, is not essential to man's existence, and at the
time of death is "shuffled off" to return to dust from whence it
came, while the immortal, immaterial soul continues on to realms
of bliss in heaven, or to endless torment in the depths of hell, as
judgment is passed, at the time of death, or will be pronounced,
at the great judgment day. "At the final judgment," they say,

aRev. John H. Troy, in Rutherford-Troy Debate, Los Angeles, April
21, 1915.

194 [MPfci )\'!..\li:\"l ERA

"the lot of every soul will be irrevocably fixed, and thai it will
either eternally enjoy the Beatific Vision in heaven, or share- the
endless torments prepared for the devil and his angels."''

Still others believe that there will be a resurrection of the
dead, "both small and great," and in the resurrection there will be
a re-uniting of body and spirit of the righteous who shall dwell
eternally in heaven, while the wicked, "after receiving the pun-
ishment of their sins, shall be blotted out of existence,"' having
the sentence of the "second death passed upon them."

Another favorite doctrine of certain sects is that there is no
such thing as an immortal, living spirit dwelling within the body
of man. The soul of man, according to this teaching, is the
natural body into which the Lord breathed the breath of life.
Therefore, they say, breath is the spirit or life of man. Their
doctrine is that "man is destitute of immortality in every sense;
that he is a creature of organized substances, subsisting in the life
power of God, which he shares in common with every living thing
under the sun ; that he only holds this life on the short average
tenure of three-score years and ten, at the end of which he gives
it up to Him from whom he received it, and returns to the ground
whence he originally came, and meamvhile ceases to exist."d In
this condition, according to this theory, all men remain until the
resurrection, when the just shall come forth to dwell on the earth
eternally, and the wicked to receive sentence of the second death
which is complete annihilation.

The advocates of this belief are very adroit, and rather ar-
rogant in expressing their views, and not above perverting scrip-
ture to make it harmonize with their peculiar doctrine. In attack-
ing those who believe in the existence of spirit, they make the
following charge:

"If that condition be true, it means that God is responsible for
every idiot, every born criminal, because these are begotten under
conditions over which they have absolutely no control. A child is
begotten by drunken and debauched parents, and at the very moment
of conception * * * God intervenes and implants in the creature
an immortal spark. The child is born necessarily a depraved creature.
It lives on earth a while, dies, and must spend eternity in this miser-
able condition without choice or election on its part. Such a theory
is wholly unreasonable. God is not unreasonable. The creature I
have just described is imperfect. God makes nothing imperfect (Deut.
32:4), God is in no wise responsible for the life of imperfect or de-
praved beings. "?

"If the mind be a spark from God — if it be a part of the Deity Him-

bThe Neiv American Encyclopedic Dictionary.
cThe New American Encyclopedic Dictionary.
^Robert Roberts, Lecture II, Christianity Astray.
<■]. F. Rutherford, in Rutherford-Troy Debate, Los Angeles, April
21, 1915.

IS MAN IMMORTAL? 195

self, transfused into material organizations (and this is the view con-
tended for by believers in the immortality of the soul), our faculties
ought to spring forth in full maturity at birth. Instead of that, as
everybody knows, a new-born babe has not a spark of intellect or a
glimmer of consciousness. * * No one can carry his memory back
to his birth, he can remember when he was three years old perhaps;
only in a few cases can he recall an earlier date. Yet, if the popular
belief were correct, memory ought to be contemporaneous with life from
ifs very first moment.

"Again, if all men partake alike of this divine, thinking essence,
they ought to manifest the same degree of intelligence, and show the
same disposition. * * One man is shrewd and another dull — one
vicious and depraved, and another high-souled and virtuous — one good
and gentle, another harsh and inconsiderate, and so on. There ought
to be uniformity of manifestation if there be uniformity of power."/

And thus they argue wtih false premises to false conclusions.
Here are some of the choice passages used in defense of this
peculiar doctrine :

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living
soul" (Gen. 2:7).

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return
unto the ground; for of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto
dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19).

"And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon
me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes" (Gen.
18:27).

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he
flourisheth.

"For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof
shall know it no more" (Psalms 3:15-16).

"Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

"He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a
shadow, and continueth not" (Job 14:1-2).

"But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost,
and where is he?" (Job 14:10).

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy migjit; for
there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
wither thou goest" (Eccl. 9:10).

They fail to understand that any expression of this character
is used in a limited or relative sense, or, that many expressions of
the scriptures are the thoughts of men, and are without inspiration,
and that these expressions, given here, are concerning this life, and
the physical body only. It is hardly to be wondered at that there
is such a difference of views in the Christian world, for every man
interprets the scriptures unaided by the Holy Spirit, whose mission
is to guide "into all truth," and, we read, "the natural man re-
eciveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness
unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned." (I Cor. 2:14.) Blind leaders of the blind, who re-
fuse to accept present-day revelation, are sure to err.

/Robert Roberts, Lecture IT, Christianity Astray.

196 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Moreover, we should nol Forget that in no place in the Hebrew
scriptures, as the translations have conic to us, is there a well de-
fined definition of such terms as "soul," "second death," "eternal
punishment," terms over which the religious world contends, be-
cause nt lack of understanding. Why are men without this under-
standing? Is it not because they proclaim that the heavens are
sealed? That there is no more revelation? That the canon of
scripture is full, and the Lord has no more doctrine to reveal
through prophets for the knowledge and benefit of mankind?
Truly do they cry: "A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible,
and there cannot be any more Bible" (II Nephi 29:3). They
have closed the heavens against themselves, and say they are in
the strait and narrow path while helplessly groping in the dark.

Without doubt these terms were thoroughly understood by
the prophets and holy men of old who wrote and spoke "as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost." It is very probable that the
correct interpretation of these expressions, as used by the ancient
prophets, was lost in the copying and translating of the scriptures.
None can successfully deny that changes were made by translators
and scribes, according to their human understanding. We are
informed in the Book of Mormon that the Hebrew scriptures went
"forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the
truth which is in God" (I Nephi 13 :25), and after they went forth
from the Jews many changes were made, and "many parts which
are plain and most precious ; and also many covenants have they
taken away."

"And all this," we read, "have they done that they might pervert
the right ways of the Lord; that they might blind the eyes and harden
the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, thou seest that after the
book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable
church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from
the book, which is the book of the Lamh of God; and after these plain
and precious things were taken away, it goeth forth unto all nations
of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all nations of the Gen-
tiles, yea, even across the many waters * * * thou seest because
of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of
the book, wheh wiere plain unto the understanding of the children of
men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God; because
of these things which are taken away out of the Gospel of the Lamb,
an exceeding great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that satan hath
great power over them" (I Nephi 13:27-29).

Tf the teachers of religion in the various sects are content,
under these conditions, to stand united, and agreed that the canon
of scripture is full, saying: "We have got a Bible, and we need
no more Bible." they are bound to garner conflicting notions not
in keeping with the saving power of the gospel of our Lord.

It is my purpose to set forth here the doctrine of the destiny
of man, as it is revealed by the Lord to his servants, in modern as

IS MAN IMMORTAL? 197

well as ancient times. But first, let us pause at this point long
enough to get the scriptural meaning of some of these disputed
terms.

The word "soul" is used in many passages of scripture to rep-
resent the spirit of man ; in others, the physical body, while in a
great many more the spirit and the body combined are repre-
sented by the word. The Lord has given us a proper definition of
the word "soul" in modern scripture. He declared that "the spirit
and the body is the soul of man, and the resurrection from the
dead is the redemption of the soul" (D. and C. 88:15-16). In the
majority of instances, the use of the word in the Bible will fit this
definition perfectly.

There is no such thing as immaterial substance, which is a
contradiction of terms. Those who believe in an immaterial spirit
are in error. The Lord has revealed that "there is no such thing
as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or
pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it ;
but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter"
(D. and C. 131:7,8).

The second death is not annihilation. Death is not destruc-
tion, but a departure; a casting out, or rejection, in the case of
spiritual death, from the presence of the Lord. When Adam par-
took of the forbidden fruit, he died the spiritual death. "Where-
fore I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the
Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression,
wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even
the same death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, which
shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say, Depart, ye
cursed" (D. and C. 29:41). From this we learn that Adam died
the first, or spiritual death, which is banishment from the presence
of the Lord, as soon as he partook of the forbidden fruit. But of
the temporal death, the Lord said :

"I the Lord God gave unto Adam and unto his seed that they
should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should
send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption,
through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son. And thus did
I, the Lord God. appoint unto man the days of his probation; that by
his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life,
even as many as would believe; and they that believe not unto eternal
damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, be-
cause they repent not" (D. and C. 29:42-43).

Eternal punishment, or endless punishment, does not mean
that those who partake of it must endure it forever. It is ex-
plained thus by the Lord :

"Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be no end to this
torment, but it is written endless torment. Again, it is written eternal
damnation, wherefore it is more expressed than other scriptures, that it

19X I M PRI )VKM KXT ERA

might work upon the hearts <>f the children of men, altogether for ray
name's glory; wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery, * * *
For behold the mystery of Godliness, how great is it? for behold, I
am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is end-
less punishment, for endless is my name: wherefore— Eternal punish-
ment is God's punishment; Endless punishment is God's punishment"
(I). and C. 19:6-12).

The laws of God arc immutable, and from this explanation
we learn that the same punishment always follows the same
offense, according to the laws of God who is eternal and endless,
hence it is called, "endless punishment," and "eternal punishment,"
because it is the punishment which God has fixed according to
unchangeable law. A man may partake of endless torment, and
when he has paid the penalty for his transgression, he is released,
but the punishment remains and awaits the next culprit, and so
<m forever. The Lord said : "Whosoever speaketh a word against
the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him ; but whosoever speaketh
against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this
world, neither in the world to come" (Matt. 12:32). Again, Paul
said: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all
men most miserable" (I Cor. 15:9). Thus we learn that some
sins are to be forgiven even in the world to come, and that even
there we have hope in Christ as well as here. More of this later on.

We also gather from the explanation given regarding eternal
punishment, the meaning of eternal life, in distinction from im-
mortality. While all men will become immortal in the resurrec-
tion from the dead, that they shall die no more (Alma 11 :45), yet
only those who are faithful shall receive eternal life, which is the
life God possesses and grants to those who enter into his rest and
are partakers of the blessings of his kingdom. None but the
faithful has been promised eternal life, but all have been promised
immortality.

Perhaps the most important passage that the "soul-sleepers,"
as they are called, rely upon, in their contention that the body is
the soul of man, divested of life, save for a "short, average tenure
of three-score years and ten," is the following, in the sixth chapter
of second Timothy, referring to our Savior as "the King of kings,
and Lord of Lords ; who only hath immortality dwelling in the
light which no man can approach unto." Basing their claims
upon this passage, they argue that this is conclusive proof that
man in no sense has the gift of immortality, and shall cease to exist
when mortal death overtakes him. It is strange they will hold so
tenaciously to this expression, interpreting it to mean that the
Savior is the only one who has received the resurrection from the
dead.and therefore the only one "who hath immortality," and
overlook the fact recorded by Matthew that "The graves were
opened : and the bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came

IS MAN IMMORTAL? 199

out of their graves, after his resurrection, and went into the holy
city, and appeared unto many" (Matt. 27:52-53). If these had
also partaken of the resurrection, as we are assured by an eye-
witness, had they not also received the blessing of immortality and
eternal life as well as the Son of God ? It is recorded in the Book
of Mormon that after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the faithful
dead on this continent also arose in the resurrection (III Nephi
23 :9, 10). This being true, what then did Paul mean by saying to
Timothy that the Son of God "only hath immortality?" Simply
this ; that of all who have dwelt upon this earth, the Son of God
stands out alone as the only one who possessed life in himself, and
power over death inherently. Christ was never subject unto
death, even on the cross, but death was ever subject unto him.
"As the Father hath life in himself," the Savior said, "so hath he
given to the Son to have life in himself" (John 5 :26). Again, he
said : "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down
my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but
I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have
pozver to take it again. This commandment have I received of my
Father" (John 10:17-18). Can any man say this? Is there any
one else who could truthfully say that he had life in himself, by
which he could lay down his body and take it again ? We are all
subject to the mortal death, and none of us has power over death.
The Savior, however, because he was the Only Begotten Son of
the Father in the flesh, was endowed with life in himself, from his
birth, even as his Father had life in himself — which is immortality.
And so Paul declared to Timothy.

With man, immortality of the soul (*". e. spirit and body) is
the gift of God through the death and resurrection of his Son
Jesus Christ. If the Savior had not died for the world, man
would have remained in his sins. There could have been no resur-
rection from the dead, and the physical body would have gone
down into the grave without redemption, while the spirit would
have become subject to the devil and his angels eternally. So we
learn from the Book of Mormon :

"Wherefore it must needs be an infinite atonement; save it should
be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incor-
ruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man, must
needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh
must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise
no more. * * For behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits
must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence
of the eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more. And our
spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels
to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain
with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself" (II Nephi 9:7-8).

But this was not the plan of the Creator.

Blessings from (he Tragedies of Life

BY ORSON F. WHITNEY, OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
TWELVE

Out of the tragedies of life issue our greatest
blessings. There is compensation for every ca-
lamity. Not more surely does day follow night,
than does joy succeed sorrow, and blessing follow
blighting. The whole history of our race proves
this to be true. Events that man considers his
greatest misfortunes, turn to good, and produce
benefits in the Lord's due time.

What could have been more calamitous, from
a human point of view, than the fall of our first
parents, Adam and Eve? It brought death into
the world. There was no death upon this planet
till then, no pain, no sorrow. By the fall, these
misfortunes — if we may call them so — came upon
the human family. But was it an unmixed evil?
Did anything else result but sorrow, pain and
trouble? The natural man would answer, No,
nothing else. We are not dependent upon man,
however, when we face this solemn problem.

There has been an enlightenment from on
High. Our heavenly Father has sent knowledge
into the world, explaining away the misfortune,
the calamity, and has made plain to those who
believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, that the fall
of man was necessary ; that by means of it the
human race took a mighty stride forward — a
downward step, yet a step upward, in the great
march toward the goal of eternal life. Adam

himself recognized this fact ; Eve, his wife, rec-
ognized it, and it has crystalized into a doctrine
which the Latter-day Saints accept as divine:
"Adam fell that man might be, and man is that
he might have joy."

Just as the thorn and the rose spring from the
same stem, so joy and sorrow blend in mortal life ;
the bitter and the sweet are both essential to com-
plete the round of human experience. Death has
its mission, as well as life, and it is by contrast
that we learn to appreciate. If there were no
night, we could not appreciate the day ; if there
were no death, we would not know the value nor
the significance of life eternal.

The fall of Adam and Eve was a terrible
tragedy, but a wonderful blessing came from it ;
spirits became souls with opportunities for end-
less advancement.

Then followed the tragedy of the crucifixion,
a calamity so awful that the Savior's own disci-
ples turned away hopeless, saying : "We trusted
that it was He who would redeem Israel," and
they went back to their nets sad and disconsolate.
But in that very hour, when it seemed as if Christ
had been defeated, there was achieved the great-
est victory the world has ever known. What a
note of triumph rings through the announcement
of the risen Savior to his commissioned Apostles :
"All power is given me in heaven and on earth.
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost." "And lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world !"

Jed at the Old Academy

THE THIRD OF A SERIES OF FOUR "jED" STORIES, EACH COMPLETE

IN ITSELF

BY IDA STEWART PEAY

Jed's first day at the Academy was nearly over. Every one
had been very good to him, excepting", of course, the girls who had
laughed at his flannel shirt and high-heeled boots. But since he
had slipped away and spent his last dollar on a regulation "Acad-
emy Student" outfit, he felt almost able to smile over even that
trying occurrence. And the beloved President, how wonderful he
had been to the lone, bewildered sheep-herder ! The new student
would never forget it, never. Whenever he thought of the kind,
understanding sympathy in the deep-set, grey eyes, his heart
swelled with emotion, a big, vital love was growing within him for
the grand old teacher. He had set his mark high before he saw Dr.
Maeser, but it was twice as high now. He intended to study and
work with every last drop of energy in his body, and as he emerged
now from the little dark frame entrance of the school building and
strode rapidly away he felt the supply to be unlimited. Before he
reached the street across the diagonal path leading out from the
door, he had overtaken two professors on their way home. One of
them put out a hand to detain Jed while he said with an encourag-
ing smile :

"It is Polysophical this evening, you must be sure to come."

The big sheep-herder looked at the man with a puzzled ex-
pression. "Polysophical !" He had never heard the word before.
What ever did it mean ?

"What time ?" he managed at last to ask.

"Seven thirty. You'll be there?"

"Yes sir," Jed promised, as he passed on.

He did not hear the remarks the teachers made about his
splendid physique. He could not suspect that had he come to
school a few years later he would have been discovered by the
"Coach" and made the pet of the school in no time. He did not
even know that when Mr. James, who owned the small farm in the
cc\ge of town, with six cows to milk and ten head of stock to feed,
had watched those chores dispatched with speed and thoroughness
he had laughed with glee and declared to his wife in the evening
that they had found a treasure. Blissfully unaware of his unusual
strength, vigor and precision, Jed went methodically through his
duties and was back to the Old Ware House before seven thirty.

JED AT THE OLD ACADEMY 203

He kept repeating to himself the word "Polysophical." What
kind of an affair would it be, anyway ! It turned out to be nothing
mysterious, after all, but a very entertaining program of speak-
ing, reading and music. When the sheep-herder wrote to Hebe
and Abe about it he called it "half meeting, and half concert."

Jed was deeply absorbed throughout the evening; he, cer-
tainly, never had heard such talking, he felt stirred to still higher
striving. The reading and music, too, delighted him. The best
part of his nature was alive and rising to the higher and finer
things of life. When the entertainment was over the new student
went down stairs with the crowd. Outside he watched the people
disperse in lively groups. As yet he had met only teachers, there
was not a student to whom he could speak or attach himself to walk
up the street in comradely fashion. A sense of loneliness depressed
him, he yearned for Hebe and Abe. There never had been a time,
even when the older people had criticized and reproached him
most, when Jed could not be bosom friends with any boy in Black-
gulch. Now he hung disconsolately on the outside of a circle
of young men who stood around the little frame entrance watching
the people come out. These boys were making remarks and oc-
casionally laughing, not always softly, as the girls filed by in small
groups of twos and threes. Presently as some young women came
out one boy said to another,

"There's you're girl, Ben, get along and see her home."

"No thanks," declined the youth addressed as Ben, super-
ciliously, "she's not my girl."

"Now, you know she is, so you don't need to craw-fish out of
it that way," maintained the first speaker, giving the young man
called Ben a playful shove that would have sent him sprawling at
the girl's heels if he had not stiffened and resisted instantly. When
he had shouldered himself back into the middle of the crowd an-
other young man asked,

"Why didn't you take her home, Ben?"

"O, 'cause didn't want to," scoffed Ben loftily. "Took her
home one day last week — asked her for a kiss and she didn't have
any more sense than to kiss me."

"Didn't you want her to kiss you?" some one in the crowd
enquired impulsively.

"No," scorned the boy without noticing who spoke to him.

"What did you ask her fur, then?" demanded the voice.

"Just to see what she'd do — test her," snickered Ben still
taking no note of his questioner.

"Now you don't respect her any more?"

"No, I don't," declared Ben.

"By dern, if I see how much better you are than the girl !"
said the voice. "You did the offerin', yet you still seem to be highly
respectin' yourself."

204 I.MI'ki >VEMENT KRA

"Well, of course, but who arc you?" Ben looked around in
angry surprise.

"Well," drawled the voice as its owner stepped out into the
spot of light thrown by the lamp burning in the little frame
entrance, "I'm a feller that likes your way of doing a heap less
than 1 do the girl's."

"Mo, it's thr cow-puncher that galloped in this morning, is it?"
lien Shumway laughed sneeringly as though the opinion were not
worthy of further notice.

"Yes," owned the girl's champion, "an' I guess my notions are
pretty countryfied, anyhow I ain't goin' to ask girls to kiss me and
then go 'round pulling down their characters if they do it. The
test that's used on girls ain't too strong for me."

"O, say, fellers come on, let us join the cow-puncher's Sunday
school class." mocked Mr. Shumway, laughing derisively. "Say,
that's a good one." The other boys first snickered and chuckled
then joined with amused good nature in Ben's guying laughter.

"By George, boys, I think the cow-puncher's right, though I'd
never thought of it that w7ay myself," a young man stepped out
into the circle of light and smilingly offered his hand to the
stranger. "Say, you're the kind of a chap I could trust my sister
with ; put 'er there !" he said with hearty good will, adding politely,
"my name's Bleeson."

"Bleeson! Why you look for the world like — a — a — like —
a — did your sister teach school down south last winter?"

"Yes, and she's down there again this winter."

"Yes, well, then," said the big sheep-herder, for, of course, it
was Jed, "perhaps you've heard of me, Ware."

''Jed Ware," cried the boy.

Jed nodded while he and the young man shook hands vigor-
ously.

"Boys, this is a friend of Amy's," cried young Bleeson warmly,
"come and meet him, and shake the hand of a real gentleman. By-
the-way, my sister said that you were coming and — a — and,
George ! I'm glad I've 'run on' to you. Amy says he's the finest fel-
low in the land."

Tt was fortunate for Jed that the light was dim, for this good
word from Amy Bleeson dyed his brown face red, and caused a
glad delight to sparkle in his black eyes.

Jack Bleeson was evidently held in high esteem, for the
students readily came forward to get acquainted with the cow-
puncher. All but Ben Shumway, he turned on his heel and walked
haughtily away. When the introductions and hand-shakings were
over, and the crowd had started up the now deserted streets. Jack
Bleeson remarked regretfully,

"Pshaw! Ben didn't need to get 'on his ear." 'Course we've
all thought the way he did was alright — done it ourselves, maybe

JED AT THE OLD ACADEMY 205

— but when Ware, here, took exceptions — why I just naturally
thought his view was the most fair — anyway, I wouldn't like men
to try my sister."

"O well, no one would ever think of treating Amy Bleeson
that way, it's only a certain kind of girls — " Joe Anderson began,
but Jack interrupted him.

"O yes, certain kind of girls — but I suppose the fellows that
are at such pains to discover 'certain kind of girls' and then ad-
vertise them don't look any better to Ware, here, than the girls."

"That's what gets me," mused Jed, "you fellers thinking it's
alright to offer, what you think it's all wrong for a girl to accept."

"Well, a man wants to know what kind of a girl he's out
with," Joe Anderson, defended. "He doesn't want to have a girl
that any fellow can kiss."

"No, he just wants to kiss as many as he chooses, then con-
sider the one he thinks ain't been kissed the only one fit for him,"
laughed Jed.

"Ah, now, Ware, you've kissed the girls yourself," teased Joe
Anderson, "own up."

"No," denied Jed, "haven't been around girls much. Never
partic'Iarly wanted to kiss any of them — and didn't know anything
about this' test business you fellers carry on. There's never been
but one girl — a that is — if I ever did care that much for a girl, I'd
think of testing the angels as quick as offerin' her such an in-
sult."

The young men discussed the question all the way up the
street. Presently young Bleeson stopped, and giving Jed a friendly
pat on the shoulders remarked, "You're alright, Ware, Amy thinks
you are. I know you can teach us fellows a thing or two about
some matters. I turn off here, good night." After Jack Bleeson
left the crowd, and the others had walked on some distance, one
boy began to chuckle, "'Spose Jack's got his foot in it now with
Ben," he said.

"I hope there'll be no feelings between them on my account,"
deplored Jed.

"O, there's sure to be," predicted the other. "You know Jack
and Ben are quite chummy, and, besides, Ben has serious pre-
tentions towards Jack's sister, Amy."

Once again Jed could be grateful for the darkness, else surely
his new friends would have seen the startled look of pain that came
into his face upon this revelation. He soon left the crowd. As he
wished them good night they answered pleasantly, somehow he
seemed to have established a line between himself and them, even if
he had attacked one of their favorite pastimes. When Jed was out
of hearing one man expressed the conclusion of all as he remarked,

"Raw, but rather a fine chap."

Swinging along in his strong easy stride Jed soon reached the

206 IMPR( >V1 MINI I RA

farm in the edge of town and climbed the stairs to the little room
that was his. When he had lighted the lamp on the small study
table, seated himself and opened his books, he raised his eyes to
the tiny old fashioned mirror on the wall above him, and looked
long and soberly at his own reflection. He could not help but
sec that it was a strikingly strong and handsome face that looked
hack at him. But the big sheep herder was not conscious of his
outward self, deeply perturbed he was gazing into the deaths of
the fine dark eyes as though trying to see the soul behind them.
Presently he murmured aloud,

"JvA Ware, did you come up here to get some schoolin' be-
cause you knew yon was ignorant or did you come thinking maybe
some day by studin' abit you might get to associate with — with
Amy Bleeson? If you come for the sake of the girl, you'd take
the trail back tomorrow. She's not for such as you. She belongs
to the big school, the big town and the 'blue-bloods.' Like as not
she's already promised to that stuck-up guy who goes 'round kiss-
ing girls just to see if he can — and her as pure as the angels."

Jed looked hurt, injured, then his dark eyes gleamed angrily at
the thought. Ihnv he despised a man who could aspire to the
hand of Amy Bleeson and he kissing other girls he didn't even
respect! Jed remembered noticing' Shumway during the day.
He was the best dressed young man in school and had a cold,
proud, almost disdainful way with him that had somehow irri-
tated the country hoy before he knew him to be the sweetheart of
the little teacher. Jed knew intuitively that Shumway was the
aristocrat of the school. And to think he had imagined she "would
look with favor on a great, awkward, ignorant sheep-herder!"
Then Jed's thoughts went back — for the thousandth time — over
one wondrous moon-lit evening, now months ago, when the little
girl teacher as he called her to himself, had held out both her
hands to him. and with that pulse-quickening sympathy and kind-
ness shining in her deep blue eyes, had murmured softly, "O you
big Jed." This precious little memory heartened him.

"O well," he broke into audible words again, "any how I'm
going to get some schoolin'. a whole lot of schoolin' and then,
we'll see!"

In his masterful way Jed put aside his tormenting reflections
and began on his studies. He worked and worked and tried and
tried, when it was far past mid-night he was still not prepared in a
single lesson. It was woefully discouraging, and after a few-
more unsuccessful attempts the sheep-herder retired, heavy of
heart and brain weary. In the blessed land of dreams he was soon
back to the sheep-herd, lazily playing cards and smoking sociable
cigarettes with good old Hebe and Abe, with no lessons nor striv-
ings nor jealousies to mar the care-free day.

Many weeks had passed since Jed had entered the Brigham

JED AT THE OLD ACADEMY 207

Young Academy. His severe trials had brought him more than
once to the point of giving up, but every time he had conquered and
renewed his effort with redoubled determination. At first it seemed
like no matter how hard he worked he made no headway, but
finally his labors began to be rewarded. The vigor and energy with
which he pursued his studies could not have failed to bring results,
but that alone did not account for his unusual progress ; he had
also, with this great capacity for work, a good memory, splendid
reasoning powers and quick perception. It developed that he had a
remarkable head for mathematics and the languages. Before com-
ing to school he had been thrown with Mexicans, Indians, and
Scandinavians and had quickly picked up a smattering knowledge
of their various tongues. He began the study of Spanish and was
soon leading the class. In Arithmetic, too, he was advancing
rapidly and finally at the beginning of the second semester found
himself in a class with Ben Shumway.

From that first evening when Jed had impulsively called the city
boy down, young Shumway had despised the sheep-herder and had
showed his contempt in many small, but by no means unnotice-
able, ways. When Jed entered his class in mathematics Mr. Shum-
way said slurringly to the teacher,

"Do you think it is fair to the rest of us to allow some one in
the class that will hold us all back?"

Jed's brown face reddened as he took his seat in confusion, but
he vowed to himself that Shumway should be the one to be left be-
hind. He threw himself into the work with a will and it was
quickly apparent he would be able to keep up with his fellow class-
mates.

The big herder had not been too busy to exchange glances now
and then with the girls and to indulge occasionally in a little play-
ful repartee. The young women found him very interesting, so he
did not lack for invitations to parties and socials. At first he per-
sistently refused to be lured from his lessons but finally encouraged
and actually coaxed by Jack Bleeson, who had been as friendly as
Ben Shumway was hostile, Jed sometimes accepted. Wherever he
went he never failed to attract attention ; he always entered into
the fun and helped out so appreciably that he was at once in con-
siderable demand. When the third dance of the season came
along — there was one every five weeks — Jed attended.

The first young lady he danced with came back to her seat
beaming with pleasure.

"He's the grandest dancer!" she exclaimed extravagantly to
her friends and thereafter the sheep-herder found himself the
center of a merry whirl and the object of very much attention.

"You can trust the girls for discovering a chap like Ware,"
one of the professors remarked as he observed the country boy's
popularity.

208 [MPR( >VEMENT ERA

After the party was over Jed stood with other male students
around the little frame entrance outside to watch the people come
out. When the young lady with whom he danced first passed,
one of the scholars suggested,

'•'There's the girl for you, Ware, Allie Peck sure thinks you're
about right."

"I'm not looking for a girl," said Jed.

"Some girl down south must have Ware's heart," spoke up Joe
Anderson, "or he'd surely he flattered by the notice of Allie Peck ;
why she's the prettiest young lady in school now Amy Bleeson is
away."

"( ), many people think Allie is hotter looking than Amy," put
in Jack Plecson.

"Pooh," cried Jed off his guard, "the Peck girl can't hold a
candle to Amy Bleeson for looks — or for anything else."

"Ho! ho! Now the cat's out of the bag!" roared Joe An-
derson, immensely amused. "Amy Bleeson! Well, who'd have
thought !"

All the young men laughed and teased Jed except one. Ben
Shumway's lip curled in scorn,

"Some folks can look high," he slurred, "when they have
more gall than gumption."

The boys knew by the venom in his voice that Ben was
indignant and disgusted. Jed knew it and answered with char-
acteristic independence,

' I have a right to admire any girl I choose, at least the
young lady's objections are all I'm intending to notice."

Jack Bleeson quickly and wisely put further words at an end
by breaking up the gathering. After this it was an open secret
that Jed and Ben were at sword's points, though the city man
scorned to look upon the big cow-puncher as a rival.

A few days after the foregoing incident Jed was passing Mr.
Shumway's desk when his eye fell upon a fat letter boldly ad-
dressed to Miss Amy Bleeson. Young Shumway reached out and
laid his hand over the letter, not, however, until he was sure Jed
had read the name, then with a contemptuous glance, as if accusing
the passer-by of trying to find out other people's affairs, he put the
envelope in his pocket. This slight-of-hand performance succeeded
in tormenting the country man, his heart was sore for many days.
In a few weeks, as he was passing Mr. Shumway's desk again,
another letter was lying conveninently near the edge of the bench.
With one glance Jed recognized the pretty feminine hand-writing
of the little girl teacher. There was a triumphant light in Shum-
way's eyes as he once more pretended to snatch the envelope from
pryers.

It was useless for Jed to tell himself that Amy Bleeson was
nc thing to him and was free to write to whom she chose, even to an

JED AT THE OLD ACADEMY 209

unfeeling- aristocrat who continued, as all the boys well knew, to
kiss girls just for fun, considering it not only a legitimate pastime
but the main one in which a man could prove himself a real sport.
Jed was facing the fact that this particular young lady was all the
world to him and whatever she did affected him tremendously. He
was seriously considering writing Amy himself — he had grown
very bold of late, he called her Amy, just Amy, dear Amy. But,
no, he could not write to her yet. Arithmetic was getting easy,
so were some of his other studies, but writing, letter writing,
that was too much at present. So Jed bore Shumway's teasing
and ground his teeth when he saw the young pleasure-seeker out
with girls not up to Amy Bleeson's standard.

He plunged into his studies with greater force than ever,
working early and late and never giving up until he had ac-
complished whatever he set out to do. O, but he was restless
during the warm bright days of spring. He only held himself to
his tasks with a grip of iron and a real ache to leave Shumway
behind in mathematics. This desire was at last realized as he was
once more advanced.

"I'm glad I did not have to hold you back," he remarked
wickedly to Ben as he left the class.

One week before school closed for the summer vacation Amy
Bleeson came to Polysophical with her brother Jack. Jed saw
her enter from a seat in the back of the room. She was nodding
pleasantly this way and that and laughingly shaking hands with
everybody. Strange that the appearance of a young girl with
smiling blue eyes and fluffy yellow hair could set the pulse of a
great strong man to surging that way. Jed wondered at it as he
felt his heart pounding like a sledge hammer aginst his chest. He
missed much of the lecture, because he could not take his eyes from
the face of the pretty visitor. When the program was over the
sheep-herder hastened down stairs and stationed himself as usual
at the entrance to watch the people file out. Suddenly Miss
Bleeson and her brother emerged and Jed took a step forward just
as Ben Shumway very naturally and easily fell into step with the
pair — by the side- of the young lady — and the three chatting mer-
rily walked away.

The crowd had seen Jed start forward and they now guyed
him good naturedly, though that was the smallest reason why this
was the bitterest moment of the boy's life. No comforting dreams
came to him through the night, for he never once lost consciousness
in sleep. He felt that he was a lost boy. He knew now that he
had been working for Amy Bleeson and since she had walked awav
with the other fellow — well the ground seemed to have slipped out
from under his feet.

Ah, Shumway has fine manners and fine clothes, if his morals
are loose — what does it matter ! Women do not care for real

210 IMPROVE MINT l'.RA

worth in a man, they think only of his appearance. Jed tried to
think it all nut through the Inn-- night. When morning came he
had arrived at the conclusion that the only place he could get back
his peace of mind was at the sheep-herd.

This particular Saturday, it happened, had been planned for a,
school outing upon the mountain side. It was a beautiful warm
morning toward the last of May and Jed decided he would go, as
he had never been upon the great Wasatch which towered majestic-
ally above the town, and upon which he had often looked with
strange fascination. He tramped listlessly up to Oak Springs
chancing to be the first one to arrive there.

When he had viewed the landscape for some time, his eye rov-
ing admiringly over the green fields, the little town and the
sparkling lake in the distance, his spirits began to rise. What a
beautiful picture ! What a wonderful world ! It was good to be
alive, after all ! Crowds of young people were coming into view.
There was half a dozen girls and boys in the first group, Jed turned
as they approached him and recognized, first of all, Amy Bleeson.
He did not know who else was in that small company ; he only
knew Shumway was not with them. When the little girl teacher
saw the sheep-herder she came forward with her pretty bright
smile — Jed thought the sight of her must make everybody feel
good and happy.

"Why, Jed, I'm so glad to see you," she cried gaily, "and I'm
so proud that you have made such a splendid record, Jack has
been telling me — I knew you would !"

She held out her hand to him. Jed took it and pressed it
warmly murmuring,

"Glad to see you — oh, thank you." Then Miss Bleeson won-
dered at his strange confusion, he seemed to be looking over her
head at something. It was Shumway's rapid approach that had
caught his eye and his breath, too. Then Jed did a bold and
desperate thing.

"Will you run away with me to that peak, yonder — away from
the rest. Come, will you go with me?" he asked quickly leaning
slightly towards her with all the old dare-devil mischief in his
dark eyes.

"O won't that be a lark !" exclaimed the girl catching the fire
of his spirit, and Jed guided her quickly around a boulder —
away from Shumway — and they started the upward climb together.

As thev put distance between them and the other man. led
grew light-hearted and full of fun. like he used to be in Black-
gulch. Soon Miss Bleeson remarked,

"O it's good to be with you, Jed, you are always so lively."

Jed's eyes sparkled with pleasure, as he led her to a great flat
rock, where they sat down cide by side. Being thus with her was
almost too much for the big. lonely, hungry-hearted sheep-herder ;

JED AT THE OLD ACADEMY

211

he was too happy to speak. They looked out over the entrancing
picture before them, and marveled over the beauty of the scene.
All nature was fresh and lovely, in the pale green of early spring,
and a million suns were reflected in the morning dew.

Presently they began to talk of Blackgulch, of Hebe, Abe and
Sally Brown, of the school over the "tater hole," and Jed's work
in the Academy. Miss Bleeson was lavish in her praise of his
splendid progress.

At length the young lady suggested that they return to the
springs. Jed slipped down from the rock and stood before her
in evident confusion. He seemed to have something on his mind.

"Miss Bleeson — o — er — " he began hesitatingly, "do you think
— a — would it be asking too much — that is, will you go to the
party with me next Friday night?"

Miss Bleeson burst into a merry laugh. Jed's distress was
surely comical. "Why, yes, Jed, of course I will," she said. Jed
looked and felt so relieved and delighted that when their eyes met
they both laughed happily.

"I'm ashamed to ask you so far ahead but I — a — "

"I'm glad you did," smiled the girl.

Then they were silent a long time. Presently Jed mused
dreamily.

"Do you know, it was just such a morning as this that I
thought of when I first saw you — spring time, sun-shine, blue skies,
wild flowers — " he closed his eyes slowly as though a delicious
thought were in his mind. "Do you know, it seems like I have
been with you in this very spot before, sometime," he meditated,
his dark eyes bright and gentle.

Miss Bleeson looked up at the big herder, her blue eyes bluer
as she laughed softly, "O you strange Jed !"

Jed's pulse quickened, once more his ambition was fired. "I've
changed my mind about teaching over the 'tater hole'," he said,
"if I ever teach it will be — "

"In the Academy, of course," smiled Miss Bleeson.

Midsummer on the Wasatch Summits

It is through the law of antithesis that one often de-
rives the greatest pleasure from a contemplation of nature,
both subjectively and objectively. For instance, take this
beautiful piece of landscape on the Wasatch summits. In
midsummer, could one think of this place, this scene of
primal wonder, above lakes Mary and Martha among the
granite ledges of the great central ridge of the Wasatch
range, without recalling the delicious coolness of the moun-
tain air, and the shadows beneath the branches of the groves
of fir, spruce and pine? Speak to me of the place, in the
month of August, and immediately the imagination hears the
sound of snow-fed waters, as they tumble down from the
heights ; or sees the white purity of the lingering snows
themselves among the gleaming granite. But speak of it
now, in this month of winter, and imagination brings- up
most vividly another set of emotions. Yes ; one realizes that
now the mountain tops are literally buried in snow, that the
winter moon — which now shines in the sky — illumines a
wilderness of arctic whiteness, and that the lakes are frozen
beneath the accumulated snows. But one refuses that
picture, and looks forward to the summer's prime. Yes ;
while now I listen to the winds, as they whirl the snow drifts
along the street, the imagination revels in the remembrance
of — in the anticipation of — the gardens of the wild. I see
the masses of azure Penstemons, the flaming gold of the
myriad butter-cups, the troops of stately columbines, the
solemn monk's-hood, and the crimson mimulus. In im-
agination I climb the heights and find again the wan orchids,
the fiery geraniums, the countless pale or gorgeous-colored
asters, and the velvet clematis. And, at last, I pause, rest a
moment upon the heights, amid the August twilight, where,
in the season, is heard the melodious and thrilling notes of
the vesper-sparrow, and the hermit-thrush, and where are
found the saxifraga, the gentian, the stone-crop, and the
alpine club-moss, and where grows that rarest, and the
highest-found, of Wasatch flowers — Parry's Primula — with
purple carrola and golden eye — and which fills the mountain
air with a luscious perfume. Thus, on this mid-winter
night, whilst the snows are whirled through the deserted
streets, I indulge in a dream of mid-summer on the Wasatch
summits.

Alfred Lambourne.

THE MEADOWLARK

Outlines for Scout Workers

BY DELBERT W. PARRATT, B. S.

VI. THE WESTERN MEADOWLARK

Silent we sat in solemn awe,

Watching the great sun rise.
When clear and sweet from a nearby haw

A meadowlark sang to the skies.
The air was a-throb with his thrilling lay, —
"It's here! It's here! The beautiful day." — Ethel Jarvis.

1. Why is the meadowlark so named? Is it a lark? If not, what is
it? What other birds belong to this family?

2. Note size, shape, and color.

3. Contrast male and female in size and color. Why these dif-
ferences?

4. Upon what does the meadowlark feed? In what way do the
feet and bill indicate this?

5. Is this bird a high and fast flyer? What is there about the
body and wings that shows this?

6. Name some enemies nf the meadowlark and tell how the bird
protects itself from them.

OUTLINES FOR SCOUT WORKERS 215

7. Describe the makeup of the nest and tell where it is usually
built. Why built there?

8. Tell of the number, color, markings, and size of eggs. Sug-
gest enemies of the eggs and explain how the enemies are warded off.

9. Which bird sings, the male or female? Why? Suggest the
characteristics of the songs.

10. Should we protect the meadowlark? Give two reasons for
your answer.

11. How many broods are usually hatched in a season? How
should this effect the care bestowed upon the bird?

12. There are four kinds of meadowlarks. What are they? Where
is each found? Which is ours?

13. Where does ours spend the winter?

HANDY MATERIAL

"The cheerless remnant of the snowdrift lies
Along the fields, and there are wintry skies
Whose chilling blasts assail the Meadowlark.
I know not how you find subsistence here,
Among the withered herbs of yester-year:
I grieve for your uncertain days — but hark!
I hear your brave note calling, loud and clear."

— Edward R. Ford

The meadowlark is not a lark, but is one of the starlings and,
therefore, belongs to the same family as do the blackbird, oriole,
and bobolink. From a geographical standpoint, there are four dif-
ferent meadowlarks, the Eastern, Southern, Rio Grande, and
Western. The one so familiar to us is the Western meadowlark.

In general it is about the size of a robin, being eight to ten
inches from tip of bill to end of tail. The bill is over one
inch long and the tail comparatively short for the size of the body.

Its back is dark brown with black and white stripes and spots ;
its breast is yellow, and its throat orange. There is a V-shaped
bib on its chest and black spots on its sides.

True to prevailing -bird society customs, the female meadow-
lark exercises the privilege of selecting her mate. At the time she
is so engaged, the various males striving for her desired atten-
tions dress in their most attractive feathers and entertain with their
delightful winning songs. The fellow most nearly befitting the
lady bird's sense of beauty and of song is the one who wins the
day, while his competitors are compelled to dress parade and sing
before some other. modest female still open for engagements. No
wonder, then, in the light of this, the male is the more attractive
in both color and song.

In their struggle for recognitions from the female, the male
birds often "come to blows" and in such encounters the larger
bird stands the better chance of becoming victorious. Consider-
ing this and also the fact that after becoming mated, the male as-
sumes protector to and defender of the female and baby birds,

216 IMPROVEMENT ERA

we readily sec a decided advantage in favor of the male being
somewhat larger than the female.

Cutworms, wireworms (beetle larvae), grasshoppers, weevil,
and crickets serve as the meadowlark's principal food. About
seventy-five per cent of its diet is of such, about ten per cent weed-
seeds, and about fifteen per cent grain, which is chiefly waste grain
taken during the winter.

This bird flies at no great elevation or speed. It usually forms
a semicircle before alighting, always at some distance from the
nest.

Cats, dogs, skunks, minks, weasels, snakes, and ignorant
farmers and thoughtless men and boys, are this useful singer's
dreaded enemies.

The nest is of long dry grass and weed skins (sometimes
horsehair) concealed at the base of and under a leaning tuft of
grass.

The eggs are white with brown or purple spots and run from
three to six to the setting. Sometimes there are two broods
hatched in a season.

The meadowlark is rather tame and lives in meadows and on
foot hills, not far from human habitations. It remains with us
all winter and begins its song in February or March. He sings
in two octaves with several variations. He also makes a squirrel-
like chirping sound. His is said to be among the most beautiful
of all bird songs.

The city ordinances and state laws relating to flippers, guns,
and the like are ample to protect the meadowlark if but properly
observed. However, a splendid improvement of late is noted in
the observance of these regulations.

don't kill the birds

Don't kill the birds, the pretty birds,

That sing about your door,
Soon as the joyous spring has come,

And chilling storms are o'er.
The little birds, how sweet they sing!

Oh! let them joyous live;
And never seek to take the life

That you can never give.

Don't kill the birds, the pretty birds,

That play among the trees;
'Twould make the earth a cheerless place.

Should we dispense with these.
The little birds, how fond they play!

Do not disturb their sport;
But let them warble forth their songs,

Till winter cuts them short.

OUTLINES FOR SCOUT WORKERS 217

Don't kill the birds, the happy birds,

That bless the fields and grove;
So innocent to look upon,

They claim our warmest love.
The happy birds, the tuneful birds,

How pleasant 'tis to see!
No 'spot can be a cheerless place

Where'er their presence be. — Colesworthy.

Reverence in Worship

BY AUBREY PARKER

Saints of the Most High, his chosen people, are called upon to
"fear God and worship Him who made the heavens and the earth,
and the fountains of water."

To worship him — what does this imply? To worship is to
adore, to reverence, to honor, and to praise. Above all others,
we do worship God "in truth," — inasmuch as we know him as
our Father, who has body, parts, and passions, even as we have.
But let us always remember that to worship God "in truth" is not
enough, but that, also, we must worship him "in spirit."

"Let reverence in us dwell," especially when we approach "the
Table of our Lord." When again we are about to covenant with
our Master, let us think upon his sacrifice, and remember that we
have come apart, for awhile to forget the world with its frets and
worries, for

"The world is too much with us,

Late and soon,
In getting and spending, we lay waste our powers."

There should be no lack of reverence shown in our worship.
We should seek to forget our worldly interests and worries whilst
at worship. "For to be carnally minded is death," (in the margin
it reads— "mindful of the flesh"), "but to be spiritually minded is
life." Are not the forgetful and the irreverent too material-
minded ?

I would much rather worship in sacred silence, which is as
sweet waters unto my soul, than worship where I hear much talk-
ing which does not proceed from the stand. But I go to partake
of the sacrament, and to hear good counsel which does not fail me.
Every soul should seek to combine all good in the worship of our
God. Our ward meeting houses are places "set apart" for prayer
and praise. There is a time and place for laughter and for tears.
I plead for reverence in our worship ; for "they who worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth."

SHELLEY, IDAHO

Live Today

BY ELSIE C. CARROLL

Someone has wisely said that, "Each day brings its own op-
portunity for doing a good which never could have been done
before and never can be done again." And yet, how many people
live only in the past, and how many others only in the future !

The yesterdays are gone forever and are valuable only for the
lessons they have brought and the good they have already accom-
plished. Nothing can be gained by living in the yesterdays, and
letting the todays go by unheeded.

On the other hand, the tomorrows may never come. Who
can tell ? And if they do, they will bring their own opportunities.
It is the today, the here and the now, that really counts, and that is
all. If one could only realize the value of living just one day at a
time and making that day a perfect day, what a life would be lived.

Alas, how often when the prompting comes to do some useful
deed, to cheer a lonely spirit on its way, or to help a weaker
brother on his rugged trail, we put aside the impulse with the
thought that there is plenty of time ; that we can do it tomorrow
just as well, and so the opportunity is neglected. The day passes ;
tomorrow comes with its own tasks. The noble impulse dies for
want of nourishment, and the good which might have been done
is never accomplished.

This thought was brought forcibly to my mind recently. I
was visiting an invalid friend. I found that he loved to read, and
that he had read and re-read all the books that the family pos-
sessed. I discovered that I had several books that would give him
pleasure, and I resolved to bring them to him the next day. Why
did I put that resolve in the future? The next day came. It was
crowded with its duties. Another came and another, and still the
books remained on my shelf. Soon I forgot my good resolution.
Then one day I heard that my friend was dead. Coming with my
remorse over the sad news, was the accusation of my conscience
telling me that I had thrown away the opportunity to cheer the
last dark days of a suffering friend.

Across the street from my home lives a dear old lady. She is
ncaring her hundredth milestone, so that T realize that before long
her weary old feet will totter into the grave. She is somewhat
deaf, so that people do not trouble to talk to her much. She is
not able to leave her home, so there she sits day after day by her
window starving for human companionship in a world full of

LIVE TODAY 219

people. I pass by thinking" that I will call tomorrow. But to-
morrow there is ironing to be done, and cooking, and mending,
and the dear old lady is robbed of the bright spot I might have put
into her dull day. I know that sometime when I pass by I shall
miss the sweet, wrinkled face from the window, and then my heart
will cry out in remorse, "Why did I not leave part of my ironing
or mending, or cook a more simple dinner, that I might have taken
the gift of my love and sympathy to her before it was too late?"
I may place flowers on her coffin, but what are they? It is the
looks and words and acts of love and kindness that we give today
that brighten the lives about us. Not the flowers on their graves.
Many of us have ambitions to do some certain thing in life
besides the regular duties of each day. But instead of working a
little toward our ideal every day, we think we must wait until we
have more time. Perhaps we have an artist's soul, or a poet's.
We long to paint beautiful pictures or write inspiring songs. But
because other tasks claim most of our time, we put our dreams
into the future. We say that when we have more leisure we will
paint or write. Why do we not utilize the little leisure which
can be snatched from each day? That is the way to keep our
dreams alive, and then some day they will all come true.

The great Russian thinker Tolstoi has illustrated a mighty
truth in his little story, The Three Questions.

He tells how a certain king once thought that if he could
always tell when was the right time to begin everything, if he
knew who were the right people to attend to it, and above all, if he
always knew the most important thing to do, he would never fail
in any of his undertakings. He was so anxious to have this, the
problem of success, solved for him, that he issued a proclamation
stating that he would give a great reward to any one who would
answer the three questions satisfactorily.

From all over his dominions learned men came, hoping to re-
ceive the reward. But their answers were all different, so the
king could agree with none of them. At last he heard of a wise
hermit who lived alone in the woods. The king went to the her-
mit with his questions, and this is the answer he received :

"There is only one time over which we have any power, that is
the present The most necessary man is he with whom you are now,
for you do not know whether you will ever have dealings with any
one else. The most important business, iS} to do that man good, for
that purpose alone was man sent into life."

Let us make a resolution with the man who uttered these
words :

"I pass through this life but once. If there is any good I can do,
let me do it today, for tomorrow may be too late, and I shall not pass
this way again."

ITHICA, NEW YORK

Thoughts off a* Farmer

BY DR. JOSEPH M. TANNER

One of my biggest and best horses has been almost ruined.
During the hot summer days, when flies and insect pests generally
are troublesome, the horses congregate in such shady places as
they can find, and in a peaceful attitude toward one another give
mutual protection against a common pest.

During the winter seasons, when the severe blizzards are on,
and the thermometer 35 to 40 degrees below zero, the horses' all
stand in the field in the best sheltered places they can find, close to
one another, and in the friendliest spirit, as a protection against the
suffering common to them all.

When the spring comes and the green grass puts on jts abund-
ance of flesh, and animal life is in its highest exuberance, conditions
change. There is no longer that animal fraternity which they ex-
ercised during the period of their intense suffering. With relief
and comfort and pleasurable surroundings, there develops within
them a sort of mutual hostility. They kick, they bite one another.
They feel good, and their joy in the beautiful spring days knows
no bounds ; and in the midst of it all, they take on a viciousness
towards one another that costs many an animal a bruised leg or a
broken bone. What is in the joys and comforts of their lives that
makes them vicious? The fatter they are, the better they are
treated, the more kindly nature is in bestowing upon them all her
comforts, the worse they treat one another. They are more
jealous, more restless, more vicious, and more selfish. Their com-
forts, their ease, and their material well-being generally destroy
the old-time friendships, and they treat one another with scanty
consideration.

Such is animal life. Such, in them, the lesson of suffering.
Is there anything akin between animals and men? Where is
envy, jealousy, contempt and selfishness more abundantly bred?
Where do vain ambitions clash, and men become more repellant
one towards another ? Is it not in the so-called lofty circles of life,
where friends and enjoyment are abundant, where the joys of
life are freely given, and where there is no common suffering to
engender common sympathies that result in mutual friendships
and kindness ? I have known men to act like my horses. If all
men would do so, I cannot say but there is something in suffering
both in the animal and human world that begets sympathy and
friendship which nothing else bestows.

ALBERTA. CANADA

Human Nature Not Explained by Evolution

BY ROBERT C. WEBB

[This article is a continuation of a series of contributions by the
same author, which appeared in Volumes XVII and XVIII of the Era.
The earlier writings have dealt more particularly with the develop-
ment of organisms, and the bearing of the doctrine of "Evolution"
thereon; the present article treats the subject of the varied traits and
tendencies of man as summarized under the title "Human Nature,"
and considers the origin and source thereof. While each article is
complete in itself, students are advised to study the entire series.
— Editors.]

II.
These "homely examples" of what psychologists of a genera-
tion since ascribed to the operation of natural element, denominated
"instinct," seem competent, as "exhibits," in support of the conten-
tion that "formal righteousness" — the aggregate of acts and cus-
toms, in which a balance is achieved between the vital interests
of the individual and of the mass of which he belongs— is based
upon principles fundamental to the constitution of creation. "For-
mal righteousness," in fact, is the visible evidence that the animal
or human mechanism is functioning properly. It is the^test in
the living organism of what the engineer calls "efficiency" in the
operation of the inanimate, metallic machine. Just as efficiency in
the machine results from proper design and perfect fit of com-
ponent parts, also from sufficient lubrication of mutually-moving
surfaces, etc., so, for the living being the word, "righteousness,"
merely sums the total of effects in operation which the organism
was evidently calculated and constructed to produce.

In the case of the human, which, as experience proves, is al-
ways strongly inclined to function abnormally, because irration-
ally there is to be found a real uncertainty as to whether the
"organic derangement," the root-evil, consists in a distortion of
instinct, or in an absence of instinct. Thus, while as if in obedi-
ence to some natural imperative, human individuals incline to
associate themselves into large gatherings, such as tribes, nations
etc and on the whole, find the best opportunities for individual
development in such conditions, the characteristic functioning of
the 'average individual strongly suggests an animal, either soli-
tary in habit or else one capable of maintaining only a small num-
ber of associations. As if such associations had, as their main use
and justification, merely such large measure of protection as is to
be found in "numbers," the individual members of any tribe or
nation usually segregate into smaller groups, known as classes,

222 IMPR< >VEMENT ERA

"castes," cliques, sets, etc., which arc often in keen rivalry with
Other similar groups, or with other individuals. However, although
individuals own an allegiance to their particular sets or segrega-
tions, secondarily, also, to the total mass, in which these associate,
the tendency has always been strongly marked in individuals to
enlarge themselves, if possible, above, and, even at the expense of,
their closest associates, in assuming "lordship" among them, in
amassing more property than they possess, or in developing some
phase of "parasitism." Such constant tendencies to further and
further segregation contribute, of course, directly to the unbal-
ancing of any organized association of human beings, and is, in
fact, the actual cause of most of the inharmonious and anti-social
behavior, which is commonly classed as "sinful." (And have we
not been told that "the love of money is the root of all evil"?) It
begets rivalries, contentions, hatreds, acts of violence and blood-
shed, struggles for mastery, for existence itself, even, between in-
dividuals of the same species, rather than, as in nature, between
diverse and alien natural groups. If these common attributes
of human associations do not indicate something fundamentally
contrary to nature, abnormal and irrational, the contrary contention
must be most conclusively demonstrated : the "symptoms" cer-
tainly suggest "disease."

The tendencies and conditions found in human society, as just
described, have been recognized by several writers on our social,
moral and economic "problems." Many such have sought to de-
termine and advocate the true and normal bases of performance
in such matters, although from widely differing points of view.
Thus, some have deplored the apparently inevitable and instinctive
tendency toward segregation, rivalry, etc., on the ground that it
thwarts the fellowship, co-operation, "brotherhood" and practical
"reciprocity," which, as they hold, are the only proper expressions
of social activity. Others, again, find, in these same condemned
tendencies, evidences of the instinct that moves for self-improve-
ment, development of powers and opportunities, freedom of action
and the pursuit of happiness, all of which, as they hold, are natural,
normal and right. The fact that such tendencies are liable to
thwart or disturb desirable fellowships among the members of
society, to check movements toward co-operation, and to enable
some individuals to wax exaggerated, both personally and in ac-
tivity, at the expense, apparently, of failure in others, such think-
ers explain by the contention that, in such situations, we have ac-
tivity, enterprise and industry, on the one hand, and ignorance,
indolence and impotence, on the other. They claim, also, that
there can be no co-operation between individuals, except where
there is equality in point of intelligence, capacity, prowess, enter-
prise, energy, or other qualities, which fact excludes the greater

HUMAN NATURE NOT EXPLAINED BY EVOLUTION 223

majority of mankind from participation in any really permanent
form of common activities.

Evidently, these two apparently diverse theories on the matter
of human behavior find a common starting-point, also, in com-
mon, a tentative explanation of the practical defects in human as-
sociations, in the admitted fact that the wide variations in intelli-
gence, energy, etc., among individuals partly explains the tendency
to form "classes," castes, grades and types of mankind, even
within the limits of a homogeneous tribe or nation, and to follow
the lines of development into such extremes of diversity that all
sympathy, fellow-feeling, mutual understanding, and other social
and desirable sentiments, are difficult or impossible of realization.
For these social disharmonies certainly suggest to the reflecting
mind that there must be still further divergences among individ-
uals, as time goes on, rather than any natural and developmental
access to a common ground of thought and action among human
individuals. They are, therefore, not "evolutionary" — by which
we are to understand "intermediate," as stages in a grand progress
— unless the further development of human society involves the
eventuation and completion of constantly-increasing numbers of
diverse types and varieties, commensurately postponing the prac-
tical possibility of social equilibrium, by these very means, dis-
couraging and postponing the activities of the virtues of sympathy,
mutual understanding, etc., which such equilibrium should involve
and manifest.

The theory that, in a perfectly normal association of human
beings, one in which the familiar and admitted social failures and
inefficiencies shall be avoided, there must be a certain very real
order of "equality," or a common ground, upon which individuals
may meet in sympathy and mutual appreciation, may be said to be
fairly correctly derived from observation on the conditions of social
success among animals in nature, as compared with those holding
among mankind. So far as animal analogies extend, the conten-
tion that an actual equality of some order — not merely one pro-
claimed by law or sentiment — among individuals may be said to be
the indispensable condition of social equilibrium. If, for example,
all individuals in a given community are equal in point of intelli-
gence, physical strength and alertness — in other words excellent
human animals — it would seem by no means improbable that the
commoner varieties of crime, at least, such as deception, thieving,
injustice and violence, would be very greatly reduced, if not, in-
deed, eliminated. Not only would opportunities for the commis-
sion of such offenses be immensely fewer, owing to the fact that,
with better intelligence, would come better ability at self-protec-
tion, but also, by the achievement of a common ground of mutual
regard, understanding, sympathy and fellowship, the inclinations
or impulses toward them would suffer a nearly commensurate at-

224 I M I'R( >VKM ent kra

tenuation. Whether the achievement of an order of "equality" in
the particulars mentioned would constitute all that should be re-
quired for a perfectly stable social order, it is unnecessary to in-
quire at this place. It would be useless, also, to argue upon the
limitations of intelligence, etc., since the question before us refers
less properly to the efficacy of any quality, when possessed in com-
mon, than to the means and methods by which common possession
could be achieved.

Tn. order, however, to justify our previous contentions to the
scientifically-minded reader, it will be necessary to draw analogies
to the moral and mental states of mankind — using these terms in
their most inclusive sense — from conditions observable among
other creatures. The theory that man's peculiarities, and disabil-
ities, are to be explained as the consequences of a very real order
of lapse from his original normal state in nature is dignified by
comparison with numerous partially parallel facts and conditions.
That such analogies or parallelisms are only partial may be at-
tributed reasonably to the possible — perhaps, also, probable —
original and essential differences between the human mentality and
that of any other animal whatever. Some such differences have
already been mentioned.

There are observable in the animal world several notable
examples of such radical variations from what, as we might judge,
must have been original habits of life ; such completely-transform-
ing ''acquired traits," as we seem to be constrained to term them,
that their classification with the conditions found in human life
seems highly logical. Most notable and familiar of all such,
among the communal insects, we may take the case of bees,
whose habit of forming communities of sterile females
("workers") for the purpose of providing shelter, care and food
for the community mothers ("queens") and their young, has been
generally held to represent a distinct departure from original,
natural conditions of life and behavior. Indeed, as numerous
entomologists have indicated, there are solitary bees, whose fe-
males provide nests stored with food, each one for the nourish-
ment of her own offspring, just as do the solitary wasps, etc.
There are also community bees who have never learned, appar-
ently, to build hexagonal cells, using instead rounded sac-like
structures, more suggestive of those formed by insects of solitary
habit.

Whatever may have been the historic origin of this habit of
life, or whether there was an historic origin, a beginning in time,
at which it was substituted for some other, it seems highly logical
to see in its perfect development a complete social and economic
equilibrium. This grand result was achieved, however, as condi-
tions seem to indicate, not by conscious effort of any variety, but
by following a device suggested, apparently, by an order of gen-

HUMAN NATURE NOT EXPLAINED BY EVOLUTION 225

eral tendency in thought and action, which has resulted in the
same, or very similar, development of institutions being followed
by other insects, such as wasps, ants, etc. The involved method —
curtailment of natural function or faculty in certain individuals,
for the sake of a certain permanence in social institutions — has
been feebly imitated in human associations, and with very far less
success. Thus, in these associations, the practice has been general
of subordinating the majority of individuals by conditions effec-
tive in stunting their mentality, and even in preventing a normal
physical well-being by the imposition of conditions that involve
poverty, drudgery, slavery and vice. So long as the majority may
be kept thus in subjection, there will be an appearance of social
stability, but the condition, among human beings, involves a distinct
violence to nature and reason. It lacks the excuse, evident among
community insects, that the individual is subordinated for the good
of the race, unless, with the fatuity of savages, we regard a king,
chief, boss, or other variety of master or exploiter of mankind, as
the "personification" of the tribe or of the species. Among insects
the result of social equilibrium by the method involved is rendered
far easier of accomplishment in the fact that the larger part of
the "maternal instinct" is expressed, apparently, in the nest-build-
ing and food-storing activities, which permits of a genuine satis-
faction in the performance of these acts, even with the curtailment
of the reproductive function. Thus it is possible to transform the
solicitude of the mother for the benefit of her own offspring into a
very real enthusiasm for the species in general, which amounts to a
true sentiment of "altruism," figuratively, at least, and a real
ground for hearty co-operation in the common activity of the
hive. But because the margin of satisfaction and enthusiasm in
work has always been very narrow in human institutions, thus
preventing the development of natural classes and types, instead
of the really "artificial" distinctions in human societies, the result
has always been an ultimate failure. Every civilization known to
history has fallen to pieces, even after the grandest achievements
in life or effort, merely because, in enforcing unnatural life condi-
tions, it has maintained the elements of irrationality, injustice,
wrong and essential weakness. When the "breaking point" has
been reached, the fabric is rent, and, even with the most auspicious
environments, the same process, with the same errors and wrongs,
logins anew, and progresses again to the same collapse.

Human interests, both individual and collective, demand the
possession and exercise of an effective degree of rationality, intel-
ligence, righteousness and good will; failing which, they are not
properly maintained. It is senseless, therefore, to argue that,
in any of these particulars, man is merely "incomplete," although
progressing. Being less than normally human, he fails where even
insects succeed. Without requiring any of the attributes of angels

226 IMPROVEMENT ERA

or "supermen" — except in so far as attributes of theirs are also
properly and normally human— he possesses, completely and fully
developed, although largely unused and neglected, all the equip-
ment required for perfect success and life-efficiency. Indeed, in
contemplating the powers and involved possibilities of the indi-
vidual man, and with no bias, except in the direction of rational
life-efficiency, nothing could more strongly impress the candid
mind than that the failures of human life and effort are as un-
intelligible as they are irrational, and that there is no evident suffi-
cent reason why all do not enjoy the normal felicity, the joy of
living, which all desire and look for, and which most creatures
in nature seem to possess, without effort, without violence, and
without pains.

To bring the discussion of man's practical defects to a closer
analogy, we find in them most of the elements characteristic of
what is known as "domestication." This term connotes the condi-
tion involved in the enforced association of certain of the "lower
animals" with man, and their use by him for his own purposes
and advantage. While domestication involves for most enslaved
animals such improvement in breeds, as fits them better to serve
man's purposes, — thus some horses are bred to great perfection for
swiftness, others, for heavy draughting, etc. — the influence, in
general, enforces definite departures from the standards of nature,
in other words, from many of the qualities and conditions original
to the wild type, in which, as we may assume, every animal pos-
sesses the qualities and attributes best suited to his own well-being.
Thus, most notably, we see the domesticated pig, whose short and
blunted snout very vaguely suggests the facial contours of his
fierce, formidable and intelligent wild progenitor. The dog, also,
man's closest brute associate, has varied immensely from any form
that could certainly be identified as typical or ancestral ; produc-
ing numerous breeds and variants, ranging from the powerful
mastiffs and blood-hounds, the keen-scented or swift hunters, the
"bulls" and terriers, to the smallest and feeblest of the several
absurd "sports," known as "toy dogs," "lap dogs," etc. But, along
with the variations indicated by differences in form, size, etc., have
come corresponding divergences in physical qualities and powers,
also in instinct, intelligence and traits of character. Thus, some
breeds of dogs are fierce and pugnacious, others keen of scent,
others swift of foot, others indolent and, to a great extent, useless.
Nor are any of the desirable dog-traits common to all breeds.

If, however, we may draw a general deduction from the state-
ments of the various authorities on animal life, the physical and
mental divergences among domesticated animals involve as great
— often greater — departures from the moral or ethical standards
observed under the conditions of wild life. Thus, although wild
animals of the dog tribe, like the cats and other carnivores, regu-

HUMAN NATURE NOT EXPLAINED BY EVOLUTION 227

larly mate and maintain a form of family life, during the breed-
ing and rearing seasons, at any rate, all tendencies in such direc-
tion seem to have been eliminated among domesticated dogs, whose
promiscuous practices must be carefully restrained, when the per-
fecting of special breeds and qualities is desired. They show, also,
small inclination to observe the ''laws of property," as applied
to hidden articles of food, in particular, which, as certain author-
ities claim, are observed among wolves and other wild canines.
Nevertheless, a dog, in burying a bone for future use, as we may
suppose, regularly leaves the "evidence" of ownership, which, as
claimed, is a "mark" respected among all wild animals. The
breed-producing influences of their human masters, in addition
to generating the effects just mentioned, tend also to limit associ-
ation among dogs. Thus we see the often violent antagonisms
that exist between divergent breeds of dogs, as between "bulls"
and some terriers, and between the pugnacious varieties and others
of more peaceful inclinations, which often result in combats, seri-
ous injuries, even "murders."

These, and similar, facts, coupled with our previous conten-
tions, help to enforce the belief that the influences which man has
exerted over his brute associates and "slaves," he has exerted,
also, over his human fellows, and, through the conditions created
by this unnatural procedure, over himself as well. At the least,
the same descriptions of "degrading effects" suffered by brutes,
through their association with mankind, seem to have been suf-
fered by mankind, as a consequence, apparently, of such associa-
tions together, as, according to all analogy, natural instinct should
tend to originate. There is no need to further discuss or elabor-
ate on these several effects of associations, which should be natural
and normal — as being between individuals of the same natural
species and variety. They are as irrational, indefensible, not to say
incomprehensible, as anti-social and deplorable, in the eyes of all
really reflecting people, who possess any rudiment of human
imagination, as they are evident. Nor is there any consistent and
defensible solution of the situation, except in the theory that, in
some manner, unknown, perhaps, the human animal — in his inner
economy, individual as well as social, and social because primarily
individual — has suffered a very real and serious lapse from any
condition of life or instinct that could be called "normal." Nor
can there be a reasonable doubt that a creature, whose most con-
spicuous and persistent activity — as found in the lines of conduct
called "evil" or "sinful" — is essentially irrational, incomprehensible
on any natural grounds, and suggestive of pathological analogies,
is affected by some disturbing and modifying influence, having a
character, and exerting effects strongly suggestive of the environ-
ment known as "domestication."

In his practical functioning, man is unguided by any central-

228 IMPROVEMENT ERA

ized vital imperative or restraint, which can effect a rational co-
ordination of his impulses and powers. That all other creatures
living under natural conditions possess this very faculty, which af-
fords "instinctive" direction of means for the achievement of
natural and normal ends — in each creature according to his struc-
ture, physical and mental, and the acts proper to his organism in
its suitable environment — has already been suggested in our dis-
cussion of "animal morality." That such faculty involves a very
real and effective constraint in the direction of "moral" obedience
must also be evident. That its authority, in the "lower animals,"
is not impaired, except under the stress of an abnormal and un-
natural environment, we have learned in our discussion of the ef-
fects of domestication.

As to the origin, description or operation of the influence
which could- account for man's evidently abnormal condition and
behavior science can, apparently, say nothing. The physician
cannot determine the place or occasion in which his patient has
contracted a disease or contagion, although he is able to diagnose
the complaint from its characteristic symptoms. Neither can the
engineer guess at which point on the railway line the axle was
broken, nor, in all cases, the precise occasion or cause of the acci-
dent. To both, however, the fact of the derangement — be it me-
chanical or organic — is equally apparent, and the proper method of
repair is known.

We are in no sense concerned with origins, however, but alto-
gether with present facts. Whatever may have been, or may be
supposed to have been, the origin of man ; whether or not he has
"improved" in some particulars over his original ancestors, it is
altogether certain that his "improvement" in some particulars has
been accompanied by degradation, as great or greater, in others
throughout historic time. Furthermore, this degradation affects
the most vital concerns of his life, thwarting the reasonable ends
contemplated by nature, and shutting him off from the efficiency
and felicity that belongs only to a normally-functioning organism
in its proper environment. Thus, as we must insist, all curious ques-
tions relative to man's possible origin have no bearing whatever
on his present condition, any more than the supposed evolutionary
"genealogy" of the domesticated pig affords any clue to an ex-
planation of the degradation which he has suffered under do-
mestication. The determining causes are adventitious in both
cases.

Just as under the conditions of domestication, an animal
tends to vary physically and mentally from the type found in
nature, to the type characteristic of his artificial environment, so, in
human associations, history reveals the invariable tendency to
achieve fixity or permanence — "eventuate a type," as biologists
might say- — through the development of particular habits and cus-

HUMAN NATURE NOT EXPLAINED BY EVOLUTION 229

toms, and the establishment of conventional institutions. After a
few generations, as we find, colonists in some new land have al-
ready advanced toward the consummation of a "national type."
Also, as history repeatedly reveals, the impulses gained from the
influence of some great prophet or reformer are speedily "crystal-
lized" into a new system of "orthodoxy," with its insistent claims to
monopoly of truth and to exclusive agency in imparting its bene-
fits. While, undoubtedly, we must see, in all such developments,
a distinct evidence of the operation of natural law — as expressed
in every tendency toward equilibrium of forces and conditions
in life — the fact remains that this same operation is limited and
thwarted by active influences that are not in harmony with na-
ture's ideal for humanity. Thus it is that, after the grandest truth
has found its "enshrinement" in a new scheme of "orthodoxy," its
beneficent effectiveness for humanity suffers serious limitations,
also, even ultimate occupation. In the meantime, while some
portions of the community achieve certain esteemed advantages,
also the varieties of "happiness" which they desire, the normal
virtues of fellowship, co-operation, "reciprocity," and the other
elements of true social "efficiency," fail of development, and the
tribe or nation shows the "prodromic symptoms" of the same
diseases that have destroyed every civilization in history, and are
now threatening the permanence of our own.

Various present-day thinkers, and talkers — encouraged, usu-
ally, by the specious assumptions of the evolution "philosophy"
— attempt to prescribe for ' such conditions by recommending
schemes of remodeled social or political forms and institutions ;
or revised theories on the relations proper, as they claim, between
social "classes," as between "capital" and "labor" ; and by other
suggestions characteristic of the philosophy of misery and im-
potence. Nevertheless, the instinct of mankind — quite as wise and
safe a guide, probably, as the academic deliverances of insurgent
word-wrestlers — has always sought, quite automatically and uni-
versally, to discover the antidote for human shortcomings, personal
and social, in the sentiments and activities characteristic of religion.
Indeed, just as the needle of the compass turns toward the mag-
netic pole, so, as we must conclude, human instinct has always
turned toward such centralization of the essential operations of life-
force as are to be found, according to the common belief of hu-
manity, in the idea of God and his direct influence and guidance in
the human spirit. Speaking apart from all conviction in the prem-
ises, except such as is imported by the analysis of observed facts in
life and nature, we may assert that human instinct seeks, and has
ever sought, to relate the human spirit, vitally and directly, to the
Ultimate Source of its being, and to the Authority which, in spite
of all lapses and obstacles whatever, still holds sway over its
inmost activities— whatever the outer ones may be — just as the

230 ,IMI'K< JVKMKNT ERA

sun compels the planets in their several orbits. Even with people
who profess atheism and the detestation of all religion, the same
law maintains. Thus, the Comtians, professing themselves
"scientific," would urge us to "bow down and worship the mass of
humanity ;" socialism has become as much a religion, an "embodi-
ment of ultimate principles." as stated, as it ever was a scheme of
economic guesswork; while our "emancipated" and "scientific"
writers of the present day have erected the so-called "law of evo-
lution" into a veritable synonym — in their own thinking — for the
activities of the ultimate, a kind of "providence on a railroad
track," in fact. Properly speaking, however, the religious in-
stinct indicates not only the real, because the vital and natural,
means — working from within, outward, as do all vital activities —
for the achievement of the normal and proper "orientation" of
man's sentiments, thoughts and activities, but also, in its very per-
sistence, and in the vehemence and passionateness in which it has
found expression, it furnishes a sufficient indication of the fact that
the "blessedness" and "joy" which man seeks in religion are not
among his present possessions or prospects. That full satisfac-
tion for such desirings and strivings is to be expected as the
consummation of the varied activities, which we subsume un-
der the general term, "progress," is a supposition scientificallv
contemptible — since, by the law of cause and effect, nothing vital
comes from mechanical activities (the rebuilding of social institu-
tions, etc.), "like inevitably breeds like," and the miseries and
shortcomings of humanity, individual and social, the bad systems
and the perverse institutions, are as truly outworkings of his inner
powers and activities, as the best and noblest product of his most
enlightened effort.

If the light is dim the lamp is defective, or the oil is of poor
quality. Nor, with such conditions, could the light be made better,
even in a "more favorable environment." There must be a re-
newal at the source of the activity. Human instinct seeks this "re-
newal" in the influence of religion. The religious sentiment of
all ages has concurred — and still concurs, in spite of the sophisms
of "scientific thinkers" and the stupid compromises of faithless
teachers and leaders of the people — in the belief that man has, in
some manner, lapsed from that normal adherence to the laws of
life. "God's laws," which other animals seem to manifest. Tt is a
sufficient indictment of the opposing theory that the alleged "pro-
cess," by which, as is claimed, these "laws of being," even in their
simplest manifestations of moral duty, emerge into conscious
recognition and observance — becoming thereby "human posses-
sions"— should involve an antecedent stage of worse than animal
neglect and misunderstanding of the very essential facts and condi-
tions involved. Whether, according to old-time teaching, man's
lapse consisted in a deliberate "disobedience" to a verbally-ex-

HUMAN NATURE NOT EXPLAINED BY EVOLUTION 231

pressed command of God, or whether it indicates merely the grave
difficulties, encountered in a transformed world-environment, by a
creature possessed of peculiarly complicated and "unwiedly" metal
structure, the fact remains that it is the one explanation in perfect
accord with his psychology and his history. Undoubtedly, many
existing* religious institutions are corrupt and ineffective, but such
fact argues nothing against the principle asserted above. It is
completely scientific, therefore, to reaffirm, in the words of ancient
scripture, "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain to-
gether until now * * * waiting for the adoption, the re-
demption of our body."

Duty is Privilege

BY MINNIE IVERSON

"O, come into the Garden Wonderful,
Where richly gleam the boughs of Privilege."

We speak of duty as an action or set of actions which we are
bound by law and honor to perform. Privilege we regard as some-
thing we may do or leave undone according to personal inclination.

But in the inspiration of gospel light, privilege is duty, and
duty is privilege. Indeed, how could it be otherwise ? With the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, dedicating time, talents, possessions,
unto the Lord, seeking at all times to know his will, what and
how to do under all circumstances, — naturally, to such as these,
every duty is a privilege.

But the scoffer, the scorner, and he who reposes unmindful of
the opportunities so near, unto these our pity cries out

"Would ye but understand,

Joy is on every hand.

Ye shut your eyes and say "tis night,'

Ye grope and fall in seas of light,

Could ye but understand."

"Peace in this world, and eternal life in the next:" this is the
blessing of the Saints. Along the bright pathway of truth they
walk where ladened hang the boughs. Freely they partake as
much or as little as they choose. Multitudes follow the same
path, enjoying its unmeasured bounties and leaving the trees as
richly fruitful as before.

No two individuals are alike, yet all may be harmonious in
this one thing — obedience to principle. In this course alone are

232 IMPROVEMENT ERA

we wise and safe. It is in the exaggerated opinion of our own
importance, our own desires and concerns, independent of God's
will toward us, that the danger to our welfare lies.

"Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of his fold."

Yet God can get along without us. No one is indispensable
in his great cause. But we could not live without his support, one
fleeting moment.

This truth does not in the least lessen the va(lue of personal
influence, individual responsibility. Clearly it shows us our own
littleness.

"There is a difference between individuality and selfishness."
Would we prepare for the responsibilities that confront us, we
must strip the soul of those great enemies to peace — hate, avarice,
pride, envy. We must stand willingly obedient to the call. Above
all, humility is a strong, grand virtue, for it is the open gate
through which many desirable qualities may enter.

Again, "Truth reflects." No step towards goodness can re-
sult in as much benefit to others as unto oneself. A deed done in
the spirit of loving kindness, and it is oneself more than anyone
else that is made grateful and happy. By this reaction of grace,
we receive more than we confer.

Likewise those who love the gospel, the joy and satisfaction
that comes to them is its own "exceeding great reward."

But we are promised more than this. He, the Life and the
Way hath spoken, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Duty is privilege, and privilege is duty. Living in accord
with divine revelation, and what is the outlook up through the
ages to be?

"Thrones, principalities, kingdoms, powers," and finally, aye,
is this not "privilege supreme" — we shall enjoy the association "of
our blest Redeemer in his celestial reign.

SALEM, UTAH

While his wife was away Pat was doing the shopping. Now
he stood in the butcher's shop puzzled as to what joint to have for
Sunday dinner.

"Why not try a saddle of mutton ?" suggested the purveyor of
meat. Pat shook his head.

"A saddle ?" he replied. "Why not a bridle ? Then I'd stand
a better chance of getting a bit in my mouth."

SCENES AT THE PANAMA-CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION AT SAN DIEGO

Which it was officially announced, December 4, 1915, would remain
open during 1916. Top— The Prado. Center— Varied Industries
Building. Bottom— The Great Spreckels Outdoor Organ where the
Ogden Tabernacle Choir received a series of Ovations last July.

Good Roads

BY THE AMERICAN HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION

While encouraging progress has been made in the improve-
ment of the public highways of the country, in the past five years,
it is but a beginning. More than two million miles of roads over
which the public business is conducted require attention. In the
winter, in many sections, they are impassable, and in the warmer
seasons they are but clouds of dust. Compared with their material
wealth, the States, speaking generally, have been woefully neg-
lectful of their interests. Speaking specifically, and calling names,
the figures show how great this neglect has been. The immense
State of Texas, with property assessed for taxation at $2,500,-
000,000, has 128,971 miles of public roads of which only 4,896
miles have been improved. In other States a like condition exists
as the following figures will show :

Nevada, assessed value of property, $107,794,729; miles of public
roads, 12,757; miles of "improved" roads, 62.

Iowa, assessed value, $3,365,930,064; miles of roads, 104,027; miles
of "improved" roads, 2,505.

Montana, assessed value, $341,000,000; miles of roads, 23,319; miles
of "improved" roads, 95.

Nebraska, assessed value, $325,974,928; miles of roads, 80,338; miles
of "improved" roads, 249.

Colorado, assessed value, $422,439,525; miles of roads, 30,571; miles
of "improved" roads, 304.

Illinois, assessed value, $2,422,361,952; miles of roads, 94,141; miles
of "improved" roads, 9,000.

New York, assessed value, $11,385,137,127; miles of roads, 80,112;
miles of "improved" roads, 22,398.

Wisconsin, assessed value, $2,998,187,705; miles of roads, 61,090;
miles of "improved" roads, 11,163.

All of these are very wealthy states, and in some of them, at
least, there has been much talk by reformers and statesmen about
efficiency in government, and the duty of sharing with the people
in the benefits of wise and economical administration. There is no
other matter that more nearly concerns all the people, the man
with the ox-cart creeping to market, and his more fortunate
neighbor possessed of a motor car or prairie schooner alike, than
the improvement of the public highways over which all must
travel ; yet the "official" figures show that the upbuilding of public
highways has received, generally speaking again, scant attention.
Tf the railroad systems were guilty of such neglect in the improve-

GOOD ROADS 235

ment and maintenance of their lines, not only would the business
of the country be paralyzed, but there would be instant and over-
whelming demand for the revocation of their charters and the
penitentiary for their managers. Yet the public roads, which be-
long in a special sense to the people, are fearfully, not to say crim-
inally, neglected. Who are to blame? The people themselves
and their representatives in the state legislatures and in congress.
Appropriations of millions of dollars are made for impossible har-
bors on inacessible creeks ; money is poured out like water for ex-
perimentation in doubtful ventures of supposedly scientific value ;
and old and wasteful methods of doing things in the name of the
people which no prudent man would do for himself are followed
because there are armies of political dependents for whom pro-
vision must be made at the public expense, and who are provided
for without regard to the public interest, but at public cost. It is
not "The Crime of 1873" that should arouse the indignation of the
people, but the crime of three centuries of neglect which shows
that, with wealth amounting to $150,000,000,000, there are in the
United States today two million miles of unimproved public high-
ways. It is the mission of the American Highway Association to
remove this reproach from the American Republic, and in its
crusade it invites the co-operation of all who are interested in the
public welfare.

Uniformity and efficiency are the two great factors in road
improvement, each so related to the other that both are essential
to success. There must be uniformity of legislation and adminis-
tration without which there can be no efficiency in the planning,
building and maintenance of the public roads. The road that is
built for the benefit and convenience of a single community, and
without regard to the benefit and convenience of other communi-
ties, is at best nothing more than a single community road. With
the public roads it is just as it used to be with the railroads, before
they were brought together in great systems by which the remotest
parts of the country were placed in the closest possible touch, and
district, state and sectional lines were obliterated to the incalcula-
ble advantage of the whole people. Uniformity in rates, freedom
in carriage, economy in administration, constant effort, at enor-
mous expense in maintenance, have resulted in efficiency of ser-
vice. Communities that were out of touch with the railroad sys-
tems that were served by lines which began nowhere in particular,
perished or found themselves fighting for existence when places on
the main lines flourished like the green bay tree. There were
abuses, of course, many of them, in the management of the rail-
road systems ; but these were in the main due to speculative con-
trol, a condition which could not possibly obtain in the control of
the public highways of the country which would remain under the
immediate direction of the people served by them. Continuity of

236 IMPROVEMENT ERA

public highway systems would not mean the centralization of man-
agement and control in any body of directors, manifestly; but
continuity of such systems would mean simply agreement among
the townships, cities, districts and states as to routes, types of roa 1
best suited to the traffic, construction, administration and main-
tenance so that there would be uniformity in design and efficiency
in service.

In seventeen of the states the public roads are under the
jurisdiction of boards of county commissioners elected by the
people and without the least concern as to the fitness of the com-
missioners so elected for the work entrusted to them. In other
states the control of the roads is placed in the hands of county
boards of supervisors. In still other states the same important
service is committed to county courts. Another group of states
have both county and township systems of road management Tn
Missouri, where this system obtains, the county court, composed
of three members none of whom, presumably, possesses the least
scientific or practical knowledge in road building, has full charge
of road affairs, divides the county into road districts, appoints a
highway engineer and overseers. This plan obtains in only 92
counties in the state ; in the remaining 20 counties the roads are
controlled by township commissioners, so that in this state as in
others there is no uniformity of control, and the records show little
efficiency of service. In Alabama, the county probate judge, who
is supposed to look especially after the estates of deceased per-
sons, is one of the board of road commissioners. In Iowa, county
road work is under the direction of county boards, and township
road work is under the control of township trustees. And so it
goes all over the country, there is division of authority, wheels
within wheels, county against township and township against
county, and the states looking on without the courage to deal with
the road question as a purely business question divorced from local
influences and political considerations. One of the purposes of
the American Highway Association is to make possible efficient
road administration in the states and their subdivisions by the
introduction of skilled supervision and the elimination of politics
from the management of the public roads. Surely this is an end
which all men will agree to be most desirable.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

For the Consideration of Parents

BY DR. JOHN H. TAYLOR, M. I. A. SCOUT COMMISSIONER

In this day of specialization and intense activity, the questio
of essential and non-essential lines, in courses of study, is a serioi
one. Time is so precious that it must be spent only in doing th
things that will qualify young men and women to best cope wi>'
the problems of life in a successful manner.

In a vocational sense, this is particularly true. To succeed
one must have special training along definite lines, and the add
tion of extra things, not fundamentally necessary to the vocation
chosen, retards advancement, as far as expertness is concerne.
For example, success in the vocation of a banker does not requir>
expert learning in horticulture, and vice versa. While specializ
tion is necessary, the fundamental principles that make for succe.-
in all' vocations are the same. Certain things all must know, r
matter what they want to do, or whether they live in city, counti
or mining district. In religious and moral training there are it
special lines. That which is good for one is good for all. Notb
ing can be omitted. All must measure up to the same standard of
efficiency, and the one who makes the best use of the means o;
advancement offered, is the one who leads.

With the same end in view, the method of teaching truth may
differ. The important thing is to choose the method best adapted
to the age and conditions of the one to be taught. The scout
movement is one of the proven aids in moral and religious train-
ing. It appeals to the boy between the ages of twelve and eighteen
in just the right way to hold him during this critical period of his
life. It is not new, except in bringing together all the good things
that have been used in the past to guide and interest boys. It has
been and can be adapted to all conditions and localities. While
i^-ts of the nrogram may be more necessary and more easily car-
ried out in the city, the big, broad, basic principles of the move-
ment apply to every locality.

Let us consider some of the points in the scout program and
see if it looks good.

When the boy becomes a scout he makes the following
promise :

On my honor, I will do my best : first, to do my duty to God
and my country, and to obey the scout law ; second, to help other
people at all times; third, to keep myself physically strong, men-
tally awake, and morally straight.

238 IMPROVEMENT ERA

If he lives up to this standard any boy will be a better boy?
Is there anything in the promise which would not apply and be
of assistance to boys in every locality?

Idle scout law requires that he be trustworthy, loyal, helpful,
friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean,
and reverent.

The beauty and strength of the movement lies in the fact that
it not only teaches but also provides plans for carrying out its
teachings. The boy must not only be a sayer of and listener to
the word but a doer also. He does his daily good turn as an indi-
vidual, and very often with his troop he does the troop good turn.

This feature of the work alone makes it worth while. The
development of kindness and thoughtfulness for others cannot be
ignored, if you would have the boy possess the qualities of a true
gentleman. Through the constant reminder and performance of
"the daily good turn," the doing of good deeds gradually becomes
a habit. This training will result in good to the boy himself and
to all with whom he comes in contact. If the scout movement
helps the boy to abstain from the use of tobacco, liquor, etc. ; helps
him to be clean in thoughts and habits, as is the testimony of so
many of the scout leaders, then it must be worth while.

In the past we have tried the method of telling the boy to be
good. Having warned him, it was left to him to choose between
good and evil. At this time of life, the boy is not worrying very
much about good or bad. He's worrying about the trout, out in
the stream, the high peak in the distance, a ball game or a race.
In order to influence him for good we must talk to him in his own
language, and speak it so well that there will be mutual under-
standing.

The boy is full of energy that must be properly directed, or it
will do harm. Without direction he runs the chance of using it
in tearing down rather than building up his character. To be fair
with the boy and the community, we must do all we can to lessen
his chance of failure. He is too precious to the parent, to the
community, to his heavenly Father, to be treated otherwise. True,
we can work him very hard and use up his physical energy, but
his mentality which craves variety and change is still active. In
satisfying its demand he will continue on to a state of fatigue in
obtaining the enjoyment that his youth requires. If he meets
temptation, under these conditions, his power of resistance is nat-
urally weakened. Work alone will not accomplish the purpose of
exhausting the boy's energy, and when used by the parent to ac-
complish this purpose, it will but serve to put the boy in a mental
attitude toward them that will mean trouble in the end.

Why not recognize the fact that to get the most out of life,
we must have a balanced ration of work and recreation ! That
the former is the most important needs no argument, but that the

FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF PARENTS 239

latter also demands its time and place is equally true. It is by
recognizing this play instinct, and taking it seriously, that the
scout master is enabled to get close to the boy's heart. In develop-
ing this instinct the scout master has a definite purpose in view, a
goal to be reached. He aims not only to make the boy's play
recreational, but also educational.

For example, if the boy follows his own will and inclination,
he goes on a "hike." He has no definite plan in view. It may be
a long or a short trip; aimlessly, he just goes and returns. Plis
desire for change has been gratified. Perhaps the fresh air and
exercise were not particularly necessary to his health, as his farm
work supplied these needs. But the longing for change, the love
of adventure, the hunger to roam in the great out-of-doors, to
climb the highest peak and view new scenes beyond, to feel the
stillness of the open ; these were needs of his nature that his work
failed to meet. They lured him on and on. When satisfied, he
returned home with new vim and a determination to take hold
again. This desire to do his level best is especially strong, if his
going has been a part of the planning of his father and mother.
If he went just because the lure of the open became stronger than
he could resist, even then he comes home with at least a determina-
tion "to stick it out."

The scout movement recognizes the craving for and need of
change and variety in the life of the boy, and it provides for that
need. Its plans call for well-directed, intelligent expenditure of
energy. When the boy takes his "hike," it says he shall not only see
Nature's great panorama, but shall learn to know the beautiful
things that make up the panorama. The flowers, the trees, the
rocks, gain new meaning when he becomes so intimate with them
that he can appreciate the beauty of their coloring and the wonder
of their formation. It says that he must learn to distinguish the
varied voices of nature, to recognize the cry of the hungered and
distressed, or the cooing of the dove. This power of appreciation
can come only through knowledge. Did you think that the "hike"
takes the boy away just for exercise, or to idle the time away?
Don't you see, it is only one of the means of carrying him safely
through the danger zone, giving him something his nature de-
mands, but giving it to him in the right way?

Have you the idea that the scout organization is military in
its nature, and will teach your boys to kill and destroy? If such
an idea were correct, you would be doing exactly right in^keeping
vour bov out of it. You sing in your Sunday school, "We are
soldiers of the Cross," etc.. but the idea of killing is not associated
with the word soldiers. The word has another meaning, it por-
trays another mode of conquest. When the boy becomes a scout,
to destroy life takes on new meaning; the birds, the insects, the
animals, demand his protection, and become immune from useless

240 IMPROVEMENT ERA

and reckless destruction. The mission of the scout is to save life,
not to destroy it.

Again you say the boy wears a uniform. So do conductors,
firemen, and policemen, but you do not think of them as soldiers.
The object of a uniform is merely to indicate the organization to
which they belong and to provide a serviceable suit to carry out
part of their special work. Besides, the uniform is entirely op-
tional. The boy may wear it or not as he pleases. It is not what
he wears, but what he does, that counts. The question is asked.
"Why give the boys drill work?" First, in carrying out the scout
program, the boys have to move from place to place, and to enable
them to do so in an orderly manner, they are taught to march.
It is for the same purpose that Sunday schools, day schools, and
gymnasiums, teach marching. Second, it helps the boys to walk
and stand correctly. Third, it means better discipline, and is ex-
cellent training in obedience. For these reasons marching has a
place in the scout program.

One of the splendid and exceedingly practical benefits of scout
work is the training the boy receives in first aid. Can you give
any reason why every boy should not have this work ? Thousands
of lives are being saved every year bv the scouts — lives which
would have been lost had not "first aid" been a part of the scout
program. And so we might go on and enumerate and discuss the
many things that interest and hold the boy, educating him at the
same time.

The movement is not something foreign to the gospel, because
whatever is good is gospel. Why not make use of it? It has the
endorsement of the general authorities, of stake presidents and
bishops, of scout men who have tried it out, of educators, and of
the president of the United States. In fact, to become acquainted
with it means to become an enthusiastic follower.

It is practicable in all communities, large or small, country or
city. Not that each part of the program shall have equal emphasis
placed upon it wherever it is taken up ; but that the portion most
needed in each individual community be emphasized. It is the
boy that is our concern — the good boy we want to make better, the
indifferent boy we want to guide, the boy on the edge we want to
draw back and save. As long as we have any of these classes of
boys, we have need of this movement, as part of the M. I. A. plan
and work.

Mother Passes Through the Shadows
A Good "Home Evening" Story

BY ELIZABETH CANNON PORTER

"Mother, won't you fix my girdle for the party tomorrow
night? I've tried all afternoon and I can't make it look decent,"
said eighteen-year-old Mabel.

"Yes, dear," answered mother.

"I think, mother, I'll bring the children over to practice to-
morrow night. They don't know that song half well enough,"
announced Maud, who taught in the country school. She was
anxious that her "room" show off well at the coming school enter-
tainment. Mother assented, though the constant clanging at the
piano made her nervous and the children tracked mud all over
her parlor carpet.

"Say, ma, do you know where my sweater is? I've hunted all
over for it, and we play Jordan High tomorrow afternoon." Six-
teen-year-old Ned was one of the basket ball team at the high
school.

"I'll see if I can find it after supper," said mother patiently,
then sharply as a little boy emitted a surreptitious little cough,
"Bob, are your feet wet?"

"Not very," evaded the youngster, as he shuffled the offend-
ing members under the table.

"You take your shoes right off and get your feet up to the
fire," ordered mother, but just at this point baby Roy choked, hav-
ing nearly swallowed his spoon along with his bread and milk,
and rescuing the spoon distracted mother's attention.

The Miller family was seated around the long supper table.
The meat on the big platter disappeared and the mound of mashed
potatoes diminished under the onslaught of healthy appetites.

Father Miller, a large, bony, silent man, sat at the head of the
table. He noticed that mother's eyes were unnaturally bright and
her cheeks flushed. She looked almost as young as her daughters.
Unlike many farm women, mother had retained some of her good
looks. But then she had been unusually beautiful to start in with,
as no one knew better than father.

Half a dozen times mother had to get up from the table to
get things. By the time she finally settled down, the food on her
plate was cold, and she didn't want it. So she rocked baby Roy
and fixed him for bed. Just as she had got him to sleep the men
came in from their "chores." stamping the snow off, and woke

242 IMPROVKMKNT ERA

him up. Although Roy was a good little sleepy fellow ordinarily,
he did not like to be disturbed and he set up a roar.

"Here, father, you take him and see if you can't quiet him
down in bed," suggested mother, taking a mental inventory of all
the things she had" to do that night. Father Miller, noticing her
tendency to "catch up" with night work, had long ago taken the
attitude that he wouldn't go to bed without her. Many was the
night he had drowsed over his farm paper while she finished her
houeshokl tasks. The big, tired man had not cuddled baby Roy
more than ten minutes tonight, however, before he fell asleep
across the bed with all his clothes on.

Mabel had piled up the supper dishes and then apologized
that she would "just run over to Nellie's to borrow a book" while
the water heated. The girls had giggled and whispered together
and it was not till the clock struck ten that she started guiltily for
home.

In the meantime, Mrs. Miller mixed the bread — she had to
bake thirteen loaves every other day. Then as Mabel was still
missing she made little Dora do the dishes. Dora agreed to
"wash" if Bob would "wipe," which he did — under protest. After
which he soaked his chilblains in salt water and fell asleep on the
lounge. Mother unearthed an enormous stocking bag, sorted out
Bob's and darned them. Then she roused their sleepy owner and
helped lug him to bed. She got his cough syrup and made him
take it. Bob hated to take medicine as much as most boys, but
this had honey in it and he took it — when he didn't forget.

Mother dragged wearily up stairs and went through two
clothes closets and a rack in the search for Ned's sweater. She
finally found it in the dirty clothes bin in the basement. When
she sat down to fix the belt on Mabel's party dress it was nearly
midnight. She was dead tired, but the thought of her girl's dis-
appointment if it weren't ready goaded her on. It was after one
when she stumbled out to see if the back door was locked. She
noticed that there was no dry wood in for the morning. It was
Bob's work to get in the kindling, but in the ertra exertion of
doing the dishes he had neglected his own "chore." So mother
groped her way out to the woodshed. A piercing blast blew
around the corner of the house and seemed to go right through
her. She shivered as she crept into bed.

"Why, what's the matter?" asked Maud the next afternoon
as her eye swept the disordered kitchen.

"Mother isn't very well. She's lying down," answered Mabel.
Her hair was disheveled and she had flour down the front of her
apron.

Maud led her gang of school children into the parlor. In-
stead of the expected fire in the grate, the room had a still and
forbidding chill. She hurried the children through two songs and

MOTHER PASSES THROUGH THE SHADOWS 243

dismissed them. When she went back to the kitchen the range
was red hot and a sickening odor of burnt bread permeated the
entire house. Just as Mabel went to rescue the bread, baby Roy,
who had been wiping up all the mud tracks on the kitchen floor
with his white dress by means of crawling back and forth, fell flat
in a mud puddle at the door. Mabel frantically turned out three
drawers before she found the clothes to make him warm and dry
again.

"I think you might set the supper on the table, Maud, since
I'm going to the dance tonight," suggested Mabel. "There's some
cold ham and cheese. It's too late to cook anything now."

"It seems to me after I've drudged in a school room all week
with fractious young ones I ought to have a little peace Friday
night. I wanted to try that new song. Never mind, run along
and I'll tend to it," said the elder sister.

Mabel spent so long primping that she had very little time
to eat anything. She went with Nellie and Mrs. Wallace and the
whole evening was a disappointment. She wore her last year's
party frock and the first thing she saw when she entered the house
was Bessie Morehouse in a pink messaline covered with silver
spangled gauze. Mabel was at an age when pretty clothes meant
a great deal to her and she felt envious. Then the handsome
stranger from the city, about whom she had been weaving ro-
mantic dreams since the first time she met him, scarcely noticed
her, but danced three times and sat out two more with that doll
Vera lones who had as much brains as a rabbit, Mabel reflected
latterly. She decided that he wasn't as interesting as she had
thought him. Then Sam Thomas, whom she had snubbed two
months before, made a point of not asking her to dance. Not only
that but he emohasized it by asking every girl in the neighborhood
of where she happened to be sitting or standing, to dance with
him. The by-play reached its height when he actually carried off
Viney Crabtree, who was like a withered up old apple, and who
never danced, simply because Mabel happened to be talking with
her.

"I never knew a grown man could be as mean as that," she
thought contemptuously.

Her one comfort was good old Pete Johnson, whom she had
known all her life, and whose eyes followed her with dog-like
devotion all evening.

When she reached home a little hacking cough issued from
her mother's room. She stopped at the door.

"Are you awake, mother?"

"Yes, dear. Did you have a nice time?"

"How are you feeling?"

"As if I were going to smother. Will you bring me a drink
of water — ?"

244 [MPR< >VEMENT ERA

As Mabel stooped to kiss her mother good night she ex-
claimed, "Why, mammy, how hot you are !"

It seemed to Mabel as if she had just got to sleep, and she
certainly hadn't got warm, for, thanks to her silk hose and thin
pumps, her feet were like two chunks of ice, when there was a
great opening and shutting of doors, and she heard her father's
havy tread along the hall. Could it be morning already? She
looked out. The night was blank, but then she was used to rising
by lamp light. Her father stopped.

"Is it morning?"she asked sleepily.

"Only four. Your mother is very ill, — burning up with
fever and seems to be going off her head. Ned is going for Dr.
Stockton. I've started the fires. Perhaps you had better come
down and see what you can do."

Mabel slipped into her clothes and down the stairs. Maud,
looking very slim and graceful in her long night gown, was stoop-
ing before the fire with a glass of hot milk. Their usually placid
mother was tossing wildly among the pillows, fighting for her
breath.

When the doctor came he took the sick woman's temperature.
He looked at the thermometer and ejaculated. He put his ear to
her chest and listened. When he looked up, his face was very
grave.

"It's pneumonia — double pneumonia. I'm afraid both lungs
are affected. Fever running a hundred and four. You'll have to
have a nurse. I will send Miss Sampson out." He gave instruc-
tions for the poulticing and took his departure.

The next two weeks, to the occupants of the Miller house-
hold, seemed like a nightmare. Hitherto each had followed his
own bent and taken the machinery of the home for granted. Mr.
Miller was considered a prosperous farmer and a good provider.
Although his barn was big, his house was several times larger
and every foot of space meant additional work. He used modern
machinery, but he provided his home with conveniences. As Mrs.
Miller sterilized the refrigerator, washed the intricacies of the
meat grinder and turned the patented churn its hundreds of times,
Mrs. Miller had thought, "Modern people are getting 'conven-
ienitis'. We spend so much time looking after our conveniences
that we have no time for ourselves." She had read the Tehuan-
tepec Indians lived in mud huts, bathed in the river every day, put
on clean cotton clothes, and spent hours combing their long glori-
ous hair in the sunlight.

On Mabel, who stayed home from high school, fell the brunt
of the house work. It seemed to her as if the days stretched out
into interminable messes of ugly tasks. Yet she never had time
to finish anything. The children left their things around. The
house was alwavs in a muss. The children wouldn't mind Mabel.

M OTHER PASSES THROUGH THE SHADOWS 245

After several bitter quarrels, Mabel decided that it was easier to
do things herself than waste her strength to make the others do,
so she tried to do it all. Her father avoided the uncomfortable
house and spent more and more time out among his sheds. Ned
didn't get home from school until night-fall. The children com-
plained of her cooking. Ned openly ridiculed it. The baby was
neglected. It seemed at times to Mabel that the whiteclad nurse
in her spick and span cap and gown was the only clean thing in
the house. Yet at night she was tired. Her feet ached so with the
pain that she could have screamed when she took off her shoes.

Her humiliation reached its height about two weeks after her
mother was taken sick. George Morse, Maud's beau, was there
for supper. Mabel began the meal by washing a great stack of
dishes that had been left from dinner. The oven wouldn't heat.
Everything seemed to go wrong. Finally, an hour late, a flustered
Mabel called them to the table. Her heart sank when her father
cut into the leg of mutton. It was bloody. Had she not heard
her father say that he did not mind rare beef, but mutton — no.
The biscuits were so bad that little Bob used one as a missile to
hit Ned's ear. The gravy was lumpy. Even the canned peas, that
Mabel had opened at the last minute to save the meal, were sour.
In her hurry she had poured the milk on them from the wrong
pan. Ned, who was in a disagreeable mood because his basket ball
team had lost the game that afternoon, remarked, "Gee, I feel sorry
for the fellow that gets Mabel."

"If some of the rest of you helped a little more instead of
finding fault with me all the time, things might be better," cried
Mabel angrily. "Father is getting to be an old man because he
has to do three men's work, and you do nothing but play, play, play
all the time." A pained silence followed this outburst.

Gravely Mr. Miller spoke, "Mabel is right. I have got- too
much work to do. I had thought of making you a proposition.
If you'll hurry home from school and help me more evenings, I'll
give you half the calves that are born this spring. They'll go a
lono- way toward paying your way when you start to the uni-
versity."

Ned swallowed hard. The baseball season would soon be
opening and the boys had talked of making him Captain of the
team. But it may be that his defeat had had a chastening effect
on his spirit that afternoon for he gulped, "All right, I'll do it,

dad."

Mabel glanced at Maud, whose lips were pursed over the
chocolate blanc mange. She tasted it. It was burned. Then
she remembered that just as she was stirring the pudding, baby
Roy had nearly swallowed a marble. While she prevented him
from choking to death, she had smelled something scorching, but
she thought it was just some milk that boiled over onto the stove.

246 IMPROVEMENT ERA

The little troubles of these days were soon over-shadowed by
the catastrophe that followed. Mother had a relapse. In the
ravings of deleriurri they all heard the things that mother thought
but never said. In the broken sentences they overheard, each had
a guilty feeling.

"John has bought six more cows. That means more work.
We are swimming in milk now."

"Maud wants to get married. Why can't she wait till George
gets ready?"

"I wish Mabel would be serious. She thinks of nothing but
boys and frivolity."

"Ned's clothes smell of cigarettes."
"Rob, be quiet. You always bang the doors."
"Little Dora doesn't grow like she ought to."
"Where is the babv? Run quick or he will drown in the
tank."

Or again it would be petty household matters that she would
mutter over, "Eight men for dinner and only two loaves of
bread !"

"The children have got to have new underwear." "Where
did I put my thimble ?" Or again, "I am so tired. I want to go
to mother and rest. She says it is almost spring in Dixie."

Mrs. Miller's mother lived in St. George, and she had not
seen her for five years.

Worse than the fevered mutterings were the times she lay
still, and they bent over her to catch her labored breathing. Maud
felt ashamed of her mother's patched old night gowns, and brought
one of her own embroidered trousseau ones, but the nurse wiselv
preferred the old, warm coverings. The doctor came oftener.
Maud hurried home from school. Mr. Miller haunted the house,
helpless, as only a strong man with nothing to do can be. Miss
Sampson demanded more help and they took turns keeping watch
by the sick woman's bedside during the long vigils of the night.
Even Ned volunteered for duty, and they found him two hours
after he had gone on guard sound asleep with his black head
buried in the white counterpane at the side of his mother's bed.

As the days went by and Miss Sampson reported, "Just the
same," a shadow settled upon the house. The day of 'the big
snow storm the realization came to them that not only was mother
"no better," but she was worse. The nurse worked steadily over
the sick woman's bed giving sharp, curt orders for the things she
wanted. Father stood at the front window looking out at the
storm saying nothing, seeing nothing. The children spoke in
whispers. The very wind seemed to shriek at the calamity about
to fall upon the house. At the supper table the older ones ate
little and spoke less, as if each dreaded to voice the fear that

MOTHER PASSES THROUGH THE SHADOWS 247

lurked at all their hearts. They all strained their ears to catch
every sound in their mother's room. I

That night as they knelt at family prayers when their father
got to the place, "We ask thee to bless our mother and restore
her to health — " his voice broke and he could not finish. Mabel,
in wild hysterics rushed up to her room and flung herself on the
bed. There Maud found her a few minutes later sobbing into the
pillow. "Mother is dying and we can do nothing for her." With
her own eyes welling with tears, Maud went down the stairs and
almost into the arms of the old family doctor.

"Do you think she will pull through?" she asked.

"There is a hope, my girl, or I wouldn't have come."

He went into the sick woman's room. At the end of the
hour he asked for Mr. Miller. "I think, sir, if your wife lives till
morning she will get well. The crisis is at hand. I can do no
more. She has a good constitution and that is in her favor." Dr.
Stockton left shortly after that, and Mr. Miller sat with bowed
head praying as he had never prayed before. No one undressed
and they flitted through the house like specters. Mabel, with her
heart bursting, had to feign cheerfulness as she tucked the young-
sters into bed. Midnight came and went. After an interminable
age the clock struck one. Finally two, when all nature wakes and
seems to turn over and settle itself for its morning nap — two, the
dread hour when most spirits wing their way to the great un-
known. Three, and the woman still lived, — nay she seemed to
breathe more easily. At last the gray dawn shone murkily in the
east. To Mabel, who always hated the dark, it came as an angel
of light, and in an ecstasy of joy she clasped her father's hoary
head.

As soon as she was strong enough they bade Mrs. Miller
God-speed to St. George. Clad in a blue broadcloth suit, the gift
of her eldest daughter, and with her second daughter's purple
and azure bathrobe in her suit-case, "to sleep in because it was so
comfy," and with baby Roy tumbling about her feet (she had re-
fused flatlv to leave him behind), she started for the sunshine to
work the final cure.

As Mabel turned back to her uncongenial household tasks,
her father touched her on the shoulder, "I see, my girl, that you
are learning the meaning of true greatness."

"Greatness?" She stared blankly. Shoveling ashes and
scrubbing floors seemed as far removed from greatness as any-
thing she could imagine.

"Yes, true greatness lies in doing the task that lies nearest
(lie hand, and doing it well."

Mabel learned that good housekeeping consists in not trying
to do it all oneself. She put out part of the washing, and got

248 IMPROVEMENT ERA

a woman to come in and iron one day a week. Each child was re-
quired to do some part of the household work.

"It takes as much diplomacy to run this home as it does the
German embassy," she remarked. Although it was not as well run
as in her efficient mother's hands, conditions gradually improved.

Mrs. Miller, in the southern part of the state, was also learn-
ing something. When she saw how some other people lived she
felt a great sense of security in her big comfortable home, and
her toiling husband who provided it. The piles of vegetables,
the pans of cream, the quarters of beef, that she had looked on as
burdens to be looked after now seemed as the horn of plenty. She
met a little woman who had buried as many children as Mrs.
Miller had reared, and a great surge of thankfulness swept over
her for her living, demanding, eight. She felt that she had never
known what trouble was. Then, quite suddenly and unexpectantly,
she went home.

After they had all hugged their thin but radiant mother, Mabel
asked, "How did you happen to come back so soon ?"

"Why, I got so worried over Maud's wedding, I just had to
come."

"Why, mother, didn't you know we had given it up ?"

"Given it up ?" repeated her mother dazedly.

"Yes, the reception, you know. We thought we would just
go quietly to the temple and be married and then go out to our
iittle home."

"Well," said her mother, decisively, "we'll have a wedding
supper anyway, for his folks and yours."

That night, as they all gathered in the sitting room, the home
circle complete, once more, their father said in his grave, quiet
voice, "We put too heavy a burden on mother, and we almost lost.
Through the blessing of the Lord, she was restored to us, and I
hope we will all prove worthy of it by doing the things we have
learned in our necessity."

And each one in his heart decided that he would.

"It is true," severely said the lady of the high ideals to the
successful writer, "that you have gained much prosperity by your
writings, but you have written nothing that will live."

"Perhaps not," returned the author ; "but when it comes to a
question of which shall live, myself or my writings, I never hesi-
tate."— Ladies' Home Journal.

The Island of Samos

BY LYDIA D. ALDER

The island of Samos is situated forty-two miles south of
Smyrna, off the west coast of Asia Minor. It is twenty-seven
miles in length, its greatest breadth is ten miles, contains two
hundred thirteen square miles, and has a population of nearly
fifty thousand. Two ranges of limestone mountains traverse the
island. Their slopes are partly covered with pine woods, vine-
yards and olive groves. The valleys are very fertile, for this is
one of the most productive islands of the archipelago. Its exports
are raisins, oil, fruits, skins and corn. We were informed that
an excellent quality of muscatine wine was manufactured here. The
mineral products are iron, lead and silver. Vathy, its principal
town and capital, is situated on the south side of the island, and
it has a good harbor. The town of Cora, near the south coast, is
of much importance. It is built on a portion of the site of ancient
Samos. In those times the island was famed for its temple of
Juno. Of this temple only a few ruins remain. Cora was the
home of Pythagoras and the Sculptor Theodosius, and was, for
a time, the home of Anthony and Cleopatra. The Samiotes were
among the first to join the Greek war of independence, throughout
which they were successful in holding the island against the Turks.
Since 1832, the Island has been an autonomous principality, pay-
ing a small tribute to Turkey. The people are Greeks, both in
language and religion. The island rose to great power under
Polycrates, B. C, 532, and became the centre of Ionian arts,
luxury and science, so the history reads.

We arrived early in the morning at Vathy. The vessel was
anchored about two miles out in deep water. We were rowed to
the island over a beautiful stretch of blue sea. On landing at
Vathv we found the town to be one of the cleanest and prettiest
imaginable. This we fully appreciated after the unsanitary condi-
tions of Constantinople. The streets, and even the quay, are well
paved with wide, white stones. Little patches of garden roses
newly out ; hawthorn, red and white, in full bloom and the trees
laden with blossoms, make it an ideal spot of beauty. We made
ourselves understood when we inquired for the post office, which
we found to be a funny little affair up quite a flight of stairs. At
a store where post cards were sold, we found a man who fairly
well understood English. This man conducted us to the office

250

IMPROVEMENT ERA

of Mr. Marce, the British j
ambassador. We learned
that Samos is under the
combined rule of England,
France and Russia. The
Sultan of Turkey, however,
holds the appointive power
of the ruler or prince, but
he must be a Christian. The
British consul was not in
but his brother, who could
speak English fairly well,
was glad to see us. The
conductor of our party,
with a proud wave of his
hand, which included all of
us, introduced us as "sub-
jects of King Edward."
This brought the quick re-
tort from the writer, "I am
an American citizen, subject
of the people !"

Mr. Marce very cour-
teously proffered his ser-
vices to conduct us to points
of interest in the town, and
seemed pleased to accom-
pany us. Mr. Marce in-
formed us there was but
one Catholic Church on the
island. Paul visited and
preached here on his way to
Ephesus (Acts 17). After
diligent inquiries we could
find no trace of that time,
nor could we learn of any-
thing that bears on that
visit.

The doors of the Greek
Church were open, and a
woman was cleaning it. On
the pulpit lay an open Greek
Bible, and gracefully sus-
pended near it hung a
wreath of flowers. At the
House of Parliament we were introduced to the ruler. He
only speak in Greek. He was a tall, handsome man, with a

could
gentle

THE ISLAND OF SAMOS 251

and refined manner. He bowed graciously, and shook hands with
each one of us as we were introduced to him. Mr. Marce acted as
interpreter, and told him we were all English subjects, except the
writer, who was an American. Oil paintings of the princes
(former rulers of the island) were suspended on the walls of this
building. In the centre of the Council Chamber was a long table,
with chairs on either side. The floor was covered with a rich
red carpet. All the windows overlooked the sea. In an outer
room of the building, the town council met. In one end of this
very plain room is a slightly elevated stand, where the presiding
officials sit; two ministers of the church of England, and myself
were invited to this stand, and introduced to the company as two
representatives of England, and one of the Stars and Stripes, to
which we responded in little speeches. The town council only
meets three or four times a year. "It was not necessary to meet
ofterner," the ruler said. On parting with the Prince, he expressed
his deep regret that he could do no more for us, and wished us a
safe and pleasant journey. To him we expressed our pleasure
in visiting such a beautiful place. Three of the guards of the
island had accompanied us during our visit, and went with us
when we visited the barracks, where we saw some of the soldiers
scouring their arms with good, old-fashioned brick. They are
a fine looking lot of fellows. Their dress is of blue broadcloth
piped with red. This costume fits to the waist, then a kilt skirt
reaches to the knees. Permission was obtained to photograph the
group, which pleased them very much. They were arranged by
the officers, who invited some of the party, among them the writer,
to be of the group. We promised to send them a copy of this
picture on our return to England. The museum, a very primitive
affair, contains curios of this and adjacent islands. The school
we visited is a long way behind our times. In one room a man
teacher, with a light overcoat on, and cane in hand, was standing
as instructor to about fifty boys ranging in age from 10 to 12
years. Not a window in the room was open. The air was vile.
In the next room was a class of perhaps 15 or 20 young men,
who would in a year finish the school course. Mr. Marce intro-
duced us in each room, as a party bound for Palestine and Egypt.
The writer was made conspicuous as being "the only American. '
We asked the young men what they intended to do when they had
finished in this school. Some said, "We are going to England's
school," others said, "We are going to America."

We found some nicely woven baskets on the outskirts of
Vathy, the ingenious work of natives, some of which we took back
to England. The Monastery of the Prophet Elias, is situated at
the foot of the mountains, in a very beautiful grove -of trees,
flowers and shrubs. Here we whiled a little time away, dreaming
restful day dreams, forgetting the world that seemed so far away.

252

IMPRl >VEMENT ERA

In this magical spot the real gives place to the ideal, and forget-
ting is the pleasure of the hour from which thought wakens with
a sigh.

On the way down to the quay we stopped at the consul's
office and found he had arrived. He was a rather handsome
looking Greek who spoke , excellent English. He informed us
that his family had been consuls in Samos since 1808, first his
grandfather, afterward his father, and now himself. Being asked
he said that he was empowered to act in the name of the United
States in any matter required. The consul and his brother ac-

MK|^^*^yH|ipHa

, ;»Mtf$H>

i Sift

" M"^^1^%*>Jin^a*ir.^9

m

MONASTERY OF THE PROPHET ELIAS

companied us to the quay and in parting, graciously wished us a
pleasant visit in the Orient, and a safe return to our native lands.
We expressed our appreciation of the royal welcome we had re-
ceived, and. the kindness extended to us, by all rising in the boat
that was to bear us back to the vessel. We spoke of our delight in
visiting Samos, the beautiful, the primitive, and the law-abiding,
and sighed that all the world could not be like unto Samos. With
three rousing cheers and a tiger, we bade farewell to the fair
island smilingly kissed by ocean's in-tumbling waves, and balmy
air o'erladen with the frasrrant scent of flowers and sea.

"Don't yez know yit how t' drive a nail widout mashin' yer
t'umb?" gleefully inquired the hod carrier of the injured carpenter.
"No," retorted the carpenter, hotly, "an' neither do you."
"Shure Oi do," returned the hod carrier. "Hould th' ham-
mer wid both hands." — Ladies Home Journal.

Waste in Spelling

BY MOSIAH HALL, STATE INSPECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOLS.

For the first time in the history of education the eye of sci-
ence is directed towards the problem of elementary education. As
a result of this investigation many old-time notions and customs
are found to be inadequate, if not fallacious, and require to be
revised or abandoned in view of the discoveries being made.

Among the first subjects to feel the influence of the new
light is spelling. Twenty years ago Dr. Rice declared, from in-
vestigations he had made, that classes devoting from forty-five to
fifty minutes daily to spelling were no more efficient than those
that gave but fifteen minutes to the subject. Educators at that
time laughed at Dr. Rice and called him a crank ; they justified
their opposition to him through belief in the old-time notion that
proficiency in any subject is directly proportional to the time de-
voted to that subject. Recent investigations, however, have dem-
onstrated not only that this old-time maxim under certain condi-
tions may be fallacious, but also that Dr. Rice's contention is prac-
tically true. Fifteen minutes daily is found to be sufficient time
to develop skill in spelling, and more time than this is apt to be
sheer waste of effort. If thirty minutes a day is squandered by
any school in a fruitless spelling grind, this amounts to one-tenth
of the entire time assigned to the elementary schools ; if not more
than fifteen minutes a day is lost in the same futile manner by each
school in the state (a supposition not difficult to believe), then
one-twentieth of the time used in the school is wasted on spelling
alone. Approximately $2,000,000 is used each year in the state
for elementary instruction ; one-twentieth of this amount is $100,-
000 — a rather large sum to sacrifice yearly to the false god, spell-
ing.

SOURCE OF SOME ERRORS

The educational value of spelling is so slight that it is almost
negligible, and yet spelling has been regarded as of equal rank
with other elementary subjects ; but it adds nothing to the physical
or moral development of the child, and "satisfies no psychological
need or spiritual craving." The most that may be said of it is
that it adds sometimes to the "gaiety of nations," and has some
real economic value.

The exaggerated importance of spelling is responsible chiefly

254 IMPROVEMENT ERA

for the fallacies that have accompanied its teaching-. The greatest
mistake has been the attempt to teach the child both his speaking
and reading vocabulary, when, as a matter of fact, his writing-
vocabulary is the only one that deserves attention. This has given
rise to an effort to teach the eight thousand words of the average
spelling books, as well as the bost difficult words met with daily
the various subjects being studied. As a result the child is com-
pelled to devote an enormous amount of time to the spelling of
words which he will never use in writing, to the neglect, conse-
quently, of the more simple words which make up his written
English.

SUGGESTED REMEDY

From the foregoing the right mode of procedure is evident.

1. The vocabulary needed in ordinary English by the child
in his written work should be discovered and made the backbone
of the course in spelling. The spelling of the most commonly
used terms only in geography, history, etc., should be required in
addition.

2. Each individdal should be held personally responsible for
the special vocabulary needed by him in the vocation which he
is to follow in life.

3. Every one should be taught to know perfectly well when
he does not know how to spell some needed word and how to dis-
cover quickly from the dictionary the required information.
Guessing should never be tolerated.

4. The sentiment must be fostered that it is more of a credit
than a disgrace not to know how to spell certain peculiar unim-
portant terms used as catch words.

Investigation has shown that the ten words, the, and, of, to, I,
a, in, that, you, and for with their repetitions, constitute fully one-
fourth of all the words we write ; that fifty words constitute one-
half ; three hundred words, three- fourths, and one thousand words
more than nine-tenths of all the words we use in writing. The
Russell Sage Foundation has just published a list of what it be-
lieved to be the one thousand most commonly used words in Eng-
lish composition. Can any valid reason be given why these
thousand words should not constitute the minimum requirement
in the elementary grades ?

Be patient with the hired man who gets drunk and abuses
your stock. It isn't the man that does the mischief ; it is the stuff
that is in him. The man to blame is the one who sells him the
poison. — Farm Journal.

Social Dancing and its Direction

BY E. L. ROBERTS, PHYSICAL DIRECTOR, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

I — GENERAL SUPERVISION

Social dancing is becoming so general and so important in
the lives of all people, and especially the young people, that it
should be taken hold of and directed in order that it may become
a factor in the education, refinement, and elevation of all those
who participate. It should no longer be considered as a mere re-
laxation, but, while the recreational side should in no way be
neglected, social dancing should be considered as an opportunity
for development. In order that it may perform this function it re-
quires the most intelligent supervision that the Church or its or-
ganizations can offer.

There should be a general committee in charge of all stake
and ward dancing. This committee should be composed of people
who are capable of making an intelligent study of the social situ-
ation. It should contain conservative elements who are slow to be
moved by sudden changes, as well as devotees of dancing who are
eager to be as nearly as possible abreast of the times. This com-
mittee should be in more or less contact with the dancing situa-
tion in America, as well as in the stake and ward. It should keep
ever before it the needs of the young people, and the ideals of the
Church, and harmonize these to the best of its ability. It should
also be in close touch with the committees under it, which take
charge of the ward affairs.

II LOCAL SUPERVISION

Each stake should have a social committee, and each ward
of the stake also a group of people in charge of the socials. These
committees should be in close touch with the general committees,
and yet should be independent enough to adjust their actions to
suit local situations.

The ward committees should appoint a director of the dancing
who should have charge of all the social dancing in the ward.
This office should be dignified, and the director should no longer
be considered as a "floor manager" or "caller."

The director should be a man with strong personality. He
should preside over the dance program something as a presiding

256 IMPROVEMENT ERA

officer officiates at any other important affair. He should not
be considered as a policeman or a monitor whose business it is to
interfere with pleasure and show authority; and yet he must be
ready at any moment to interfere with "pleasure" and to exercise
authority. His business is to lead and direct, and he must have
a clear vision of the goal he is seeking for those under his charge.
This goal is the goal of all those above him with whom he should
be co-operating.

The floor management, the man in charge of ticket taking,
checking, and the orchestra — all should be under the direction of
the director. The orchestra should not be a law unto itself, playing
anything that it pleases or anything that some dancer happens to
suggest. It should not render the music as it desires. The di-
rector, who is studying the dancing problem, will be able to get
many good results in an intelligent control of the music. In
many cases where he detects or anticipates an undesirable "drift"
he can change the tempo of the music, and produce wonderful re-
sults. Where he desires to preserve the indentity of a dance which
is drifting out of date, he can keep it a little longer for the good
of all by having the music play short, beautiful selections.

The director should be at his post every minute from the
opening of the dance until the last person is out. He should not
be too social, not too "glib of foot," as this tends to weaken his
strength. He should preside and still participate.

Ill — THE PROGRAM

A dance to be a success must be filled with keen joy and
pleasure. If it lacks these elements there is fault somewhere.

The dance hall should be beautiful ; the music should be beau-
tiful ; the dancers should be beautiful ; the dancing should be in
every sense beautiful, and artistic.

The dance is an event not an incident. It is worthy of the
most careful preparation. It is worthy of a simple but artistic
program. The present degeneracy in dancing is due largely to the
fact that the program idea, in many districts, has been done away
with. Not long ago the dances were programed; then those in
charge neglected the programs and merely announced the dances ;
later they let even this fall away. The dances were not announced.
The music would start to play, the dancers joining in as they
pleased, and dancing what and how they pleased. The programs
were sometimes used in "swell" affairs, but simply as a means of
assisting the dancers in keeping track of their partners, and not
in any sense to designate what the people should dance.

The programs should begin with the Opening Invocation, and
the name of the person who is to offer the invocation should be
printed. This features the prayer, as it should be featured, and

SOCIAL DANCING AND ITS DIRECTION 257

gets the crowd ready and in the proper mood for it. Following
the Invocation the dancing numbers should be listed in a way
which gives an interesting variety and satisfies the needs of the
dancers. * * * The last number should be a regular dancing
number, and not the present degenerated "Home, Sweet Home,"
Waltz. Eliminate this waltz, and put a proper finish to the affair.
(It is important in this connection to have plenty of help on the
hat-checking deparments so as to reduce the need of rushing for
the check-room.)

The programed dances should consist of a large number of
( 1 ) well known dances, so that most of the people are dancing
and not merely looking on. (2) There should be a few new
dances which are winning a place upon the program; and there
should be an equal number of old dances which are gradually
being relegated to the past. This arrangement will make it pos-
sible for the dance to fulfil its functions socially and recreationally.
People are not free to enjoy if they are constantly being worried
with too many new steps. Neither can they truly enjoy if they
are compelled to dance only the old, out-of-date steps. A whole-
some mixture of new and old will get the best results.

In order to insure the success of this program idea it should
be well understood that the people must dance what is pro-
gramed, and dance it all in more or less the same way. In the
very newest steps there will necessarily be a margin (not too
much) of difference in interpretation. It will be quite impossible
for all to dance exactly alike until the dances are standardized and
until they are well learned. In the older dances, however, there
is no excuse for a "mix-up" of dancing. If a two-step is on the
program, everybody should two-step, and those, if any, who are
walking should be asked to take their seats, or two-step. If the
program calls for a one-step, no older or younger couple should
be permitted to two-step. This should hold good and true of all
the dances. The director should not be lax for a single moment,
and should make absolutely no exceptions. The time for him
to act is at the moment and not after the dance is finished. It
should be understood and announced that the director is not of-
fending any really big person by making suggestions, or offering
criticisms, during the dancing, any more than he would be if of-
fering those same suggestions in the dancing class.

If too many couples are not following the rules, the music
should be stopped, and a pleasant announcement, followed by a
demonstration, should be made. After this the standards should
be upheld at any cost.

The new dances, if they have the qualities that will make
them survive, can gradually be made to have a more prominent
place upon the program as they become the property of everybody.
Of course, all "Freakish" innovations should not be given even a

258 IMPROVEMENT ERA

"look-in" upon the program. Those in charge should be sure
how a dance will be danced by the masses, not how it can be
danced by the expert, before they countenance it by putting it
upon the program. The bi-products of the freakish steps are
the important things to consider.

IV MISCELLANEOUS POINTS

Whatever the dance is and whatever may be claimed as to
the "stylish" position, no close dancing should be permitted. The
dancers should not be in contact except with hands. The ball
room should not be a spooning parlor.

Dancing movements which are well in the realm of or even
border too much upon the conspicuous should be done away with.
The dance hall is no gymnasium.

While dancing, in order to be social, should be more of the
nature of folk-dancing than of the stage and exhibition dancing, it
should not degenerate into the rowdy and boisterous. The Vir-
ginia Reel serves very well as a vent for the escape of more or less
restrained energy, but it is at present a little too boisterous. Other
group dances might well take its place.

In order that the dancers may be present before the opening
prayer is offered, it is well to play a selection or two before the
program begins. * * * The dance should be closed by prayer
at the appointed time.

V — SUMMARY OF SUGGESTIONS.

(1) Place all dancing under intelligent supervision and
direction.

(2) Emphasize the social side of dancing by conforming the
programs to the needs of the masses.

(3) Program, in some manner, all dances. Place the
prayers on program.

(4) Preserve the identity of the dances by insisting that the
dances be danced as programed.

(5) Secure variety by program, not in individual dance.

(6) Have body of program consist of well-known dances;
then a small number of new steps, and a small number of very
old dances.

In this way, and in all other possible ways, see that the dance
leaves the dancers better than it found them ; happier, more cul-
tured and refined, more appreciative of the beautiful ; healthier,
more thankful to the Creator for all the clean joys of life.

PROVO, UTAH

Federal Aid to Vocational Education

BY FRANK S. HARRIS, PH. D., PROFESSOR OF AGRONOMY, UTAH
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

To those members of the Mutual Improvement Associations
who have, during the last two or three years, been devoting them-
selves to helping young people in the selection of a vocation, it
will be of interest to learn that a movement is on foot to give fed-
eral aid to vocational education. The question of more effectively
fittitng young people for the work of life has been discussed in all
parts of the country during recent years, and we may expect this
discussion to be crystalized into some form of legislation. Local
legislation has already been enacted in many places ; but the pres-
ent agitation seems to be to make the movement nation-wide.

President Wilson in his recent message to Congress said the
Government should give greater attention to vocational education.
This is taken by some to mean that legislation along this line now
has a better chance to pass than during previous sessions of Con-
gress; for this question has been up a number of times. In 1912
the Page bill, covering this field, passed the Senate, but failed in
the House. Without doubt a number of measures that have been
proposed have been visionary and inconsistent with conditions
as they exist in the country ; but these failures have helped to clar-
ify the subject till something suitable will without doubt be
brought forward in the near future.

The present session of Congress will probably have the op-
portunity to vote on what is known as the Smith-Hughes bill
which embodies the recommendations of the President's Commis-
sion on National Aid to Vocational Education, appointed in 1914.
It is the purpose of the bill "to extend to the states the help of the
o-overnment in establishing vocational education and in training
persons to teach it. This "is to be done by grants of money, and
by the establishment of a Federal Board for Vocational Education
to work with and through the states in starting this form of edu-
cation. The purpose of the proposed law is not to enable the Fed-
eral Government to enter the educational field and establish
schools, but rather to extend such aid as will stimulate the various
states to develop the work themselves."

The commission, after going over the situation thoroughly,
found a tremendous wastage of youth on account of lack of train-
ing for work. They found 25,000,000 persons in the country,
eighteen years of age and over, engaged in farming, mining, man-
ufacturing, mechanical pursuits, trade, and transportation. Of

260

IMPROVEMENT ERA

the 14,250,000 engaged in manufacturing and mechanical pursuits,
not one per cent have had, or at the present time have, any chance
to secure adequate training. The commission comments on the
loss due to the lack of training as follows :

"If we assume that a system of vocational education, pursued
through the years of the past, would have increased the wage-
earning capacity of each of these 25,000,000 to the extent of ten
cents a day, this would have made an increase of wages for the
group of $2,500,000 a day, or $750,000,000 a year, with all that
this would mean to the wealth and life of the nation. This is a
very moderate estimate, and the facts would probably show a dif-
ference between the earning power of the vocationally trained and
the vocationally untrained of twenty-five cents a day. This would
indicate a waste of wages, through lack of training, amounting to
$6,250,000 every day, or $1,875,000,000 for the year."

While these figures are almost startling, it seems probable
that they are not far from the truth. The nation cannot afford
to allow this gigantic waste to continue; no more can the small
community afford to have the energies of its workers dissipated on
account of lack of training for the work that is to be done.
Whether Congress passes any measure to aid this condition or
not, it seems that the officers and members of the Mutual Im-
provement Associations should not slacken their efforts to assist
young people in finding the right work and in preparing them to
do it in the best way known to man.

LOGAN, UTAH

PLANTING THE M. I. A. BOY SCOUT TREE

In the new city park, Vernal, Utah, April 15, 1915. J. Winter Smith,
Stake Scoutmaster.

"Even the Winds and the Sea Obey Him"

BY JAMES E. TALMAGE, OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE

In the year 1908 a certain pamphlet — No. 1 of the instructive
series written by President Charles W. Penrose under the expres-
sive title, Rays of Living Light — was translated into the Danish-
Norwegian tongue, and a large edition of the Scandinavian version
was printed in Denmark. Several packages of these tracts were
consigned as freight from Aarhus, Denmark, for Bergen, Nor-
way. The steamer on which they were shipped was wrecked on
one of the small, rocky isles lying west of the main coast, within
about fifty miles of Bergen.

A few months after this catastrophe, a small party of "Mor-
mon" elders started upon a missionary tour through the fishing
villages and other towns on the rock-bound shores of the Nor-
wegian fjords, and on the adjacent islands. In the course of their
house to house visits, in search of opportunity to converse with
the people regarding the saving principles of the gospel, these
devoted missionaries distributed leaflets and tracts to all who
would accept. Prominent among the printed offerings was No. 1
of the Rays of Living Light. Scarcely had the elders well entered
upon their labors on one of the small islands lying immediately
west of the little city of Haugesund, between Stavanger and
Bergen, when they were greeted by the welcome assurances that
most of the people living upon that island and along the coast of
the adjacent mainland had read that particular tract and were
eager to secure others of the series. In nearly every house to
which the elders came they were made welcome, and were shown
sea-stained copies of the printed tract. The good people of those
wave-lashed coasts explained that amongst the jetsam that had
been brought up from a wreck several weeks earlier had been
packages of the leaflet in question, and that these had been distrib-
uted up and down the coast and from island to island.

In 1913, I was addressing a large congregation at Logan, on
the occasion of a stake conference, and I related the little story
given above. At the close of the meeting an elder who had served
as a missionary in Scandinavia came to me and testified to per-
sonal knowledge of the facts, stating further that he was one of
the missionaries who had been sent into the district where the
people had obtained their first bit of "Mormon" literature from
the sea. Later in the day the elder referred to handed me two

262 IMPROVEMENT ERA

copies of the pamphlet discolored from contact with sea-water.
These he said he had obtained from the home of a fisherman in ex-
change for clean, new copies.

Once at Cedar City I told the story, in the course of a public
address. Toward the close of the meeting an elder who had then
but recently returned from service in the British mission was
called to speak.* He stated that in his field of labor he had met a
certain gentleman who described the manner of his first becoming
acquainted with the gospel as follows :

The man had left his English home largely because of a feel-
ing of general unrest, and more particularly because of differences
between himself and other members of his father's family on
questions concerning religion. Neither the teachings of the Estab-
lished Church nor the doctrines of the many dissenting sects satis-
fied his yearning for the peace of mind, such, as he believed, the
Church of Christ should afford. He came to the United States,
and in time journeyed westward, and secured employment with a
surveying party operating in Wyoming. One day, during the
noon rest, he sat outside the tent, which was pitched near the
railway. He noticed a newspaper sheet blown before the wind ;
and, thinking that it might contain something of interest, per-
haps something that would relieve the tedium of the hour, he ran
to catch it. A gust of wind blew the paper into his hands. The
sheet was found to be part of the Deseret Nezvs, containing the
full report of a sermon delivered in the Tabernacle at Salt Lake
City, and dealing with the fundamental principles of the gospel.
He read the sermon and re-read it.

He was conscious of a feeling amounting almost to conviction
that the people who professed and practised such doctrines as
were set forth in that address were those whom he had been hop-
ing to find. His contract with his employer prevented him from
carrying out his desire to visit Utah, at that time, and learn more
of the Church and its teachings. Soon after the incident of the
wind-blown newspaper, he was summoned home by a bereavement
in the family. A few weeks following his return to England, he
heard our "Mormon" elders preaching on the streets of his native
town. Their teachings were in tune with those of the sermon
he had read on the western desert. His heart was already pre-
pared, and the seed of the gospel took root therein. The man ac-
cepted the truth and became an earnest member of the Church of
Jesus Christ.

Each of the foregoing incidents should be a means of en-
couragement to readers engaged in missionary service. One of
the characteristic features of the work of the Lord, in the last dis-
pensation, and a specified sign of the nearness of the Savior's

*Elder Stewart Thorley, of Cedar City, Iron County, Utah.

"EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM" 263

advent, is that the gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached to
all people. In this world-wide diffusion of the truth the print-
ing press is one of the most effective means. Through the me-
dium of printed matter, even through unfriendly publications, peo-
ple are put upon inquiry, and some of them, those who are honest
seekers after the truth, will be led to investigate further. Today
the message of "Mormonism" is so generally proclaimed that
practically every one who will may read.

Even the winds and the waves serve the purposes of God.

The Joy of Living and Serving

BY ANNIE G. LAURITZEN

Who is he that is reaping the golden harvest of the joys of
living? What is required by the Master of those who would ob-
tain this joy, and eternal life which is God's greatest gift to man r

Not one short mission of a couple of years or so ; not in the
performing of one evening's service at home, as a ward teacher ;
not the hauling of one load of wood for some widow or mission-
ary's wife, will bring this joy and this gift. But it is living in
continued service that brings these rewards.

Jesus said: "Sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasures in heaven, and come and follow me.
Follow the Master, how long? a day, or a month, or a year? No ;
it means to follow in his footsteps all the days of life. _

A nameless, soulful longing to do good, put into living action ;
a desire to know and to do God's holy will ; to rise to sublime spir-
itual heights, by spiritual effort, and to serve the poor and the
needy among one's fellow men— these are among life s greatest
enjoyments ! In these one finds rest, and a peace that passeth un-
derstanding. It is what Christ promised when he declared : _ Come
unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and'lowly in heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

SHORT CREEK, ARIZONA

Editors' Table

Newv< Year's Greeting

I wish all our readers a Happy New Year. May they be
prosperous both in spiritual and temporal affairs. And as my
wishes go out to you, dear reader, so I wish these blessings for
all the officers of the Priesthood, the M. I. A., the Church schools,
and the auxiliary organizations, the missionaries, and the Saints
everywhere.

There is great satisfaction in knowing that the work of the
Lord is prospering, not alone at home, but also in the various mis-
sion fields. The Saints at home have been abundantly blessed in
every effort put forth. The earth has yielded richly for their tempor-
al wants. It is good to know that in material prosperity they have
not forgotten their obligations to the Lord. They hold the prin-
ciples and requirements of the gospel as the most precious gifts in
the world. These lead to true service for the benefit of our fellow
men, and to obedience to the commandment, love one another. In
their studies and activities the youth of Zion, through their
quorums and organizations, hold uppermost in their thoughts the
message of life and salvation. Their teachers take advantage of
every opportunity to impress the truth upon them that temporal
blessings are merely necessary stepping stones to upward spiritual
progress. If they are used otherwise, they become the steps of the
way that leads down to death and destruction.

Our teachers must impress these common truths upon the
youthful mind. Their messages should be simple and practical.
This applies to our schools, our Priesthood classes, and all the
auxiliary organizations, and to the ward teachers. There is more
virtue in impressing the mind with a few fundamental principles
underlying the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as
revealed to us through the Prophet Joseph Smith, than in all the
intellectual philosophies of the world that are without the spirit
of the gospel. I sometimes think in our teaching we are too fond
of outlines, and mental structures built upon forms and rules, to
the forgetting of those great sources of knowledge, the Holy
Ghost, and the spirit of the gospel. This, of course, should not
be so.

Our teachings should be simple: The Father and his Son
lesus Christ live and answer prayer. They revealed themselves
to Joseph Smith, personally, by which we know they are like unto
man in form. By means of the revelations of the Lord Jesus to
Joseph, the true Church of Christ is organized upon earth with

EDITORS' TABLE 265

an authorized priesthood to officiate in its ordinances, and to
receive continued revelation for its perpetuation and permanent
establishment in the world. Men are called upon through this
authority to have faith in God, repent and turn from their sins,
to be baptized by those who have authority, and to have hands laid
upon them that they may receive the Holy Ghost as a light to their
path and a guide to their feet. They thus become, by conformity
to the will of the Lord, examples of righteousness before the
world, by which they let their "light so shine before men, that
they may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is
in heaven."

May the Latter-day Saints, who hold the authorized commis-
sion of our Lord to cry repentance to the nations, and to officiate
with authority in the ordinances of the gospel, realize their awful
responsibility. May they be found ready to proclaim the message
in word and action, at home and abroad, to every nation, kindred,
tongue and people.

Grateful that our land is free from the terrors of war, let us
pray that the people of our country and its officers, who are their
servants, may be inspired to so direct its destiny that we may have
continued peace and prosperity. May the strife and contention now
tearing the nations asunder end in a better understanding among
men of that new life that is coming and which shall be directed by
the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and obedience on the part
of mankind to his laws and commandments. That is the only way
to happiness and peace in this world, and to eternal life in the
world to come.

Then, finally, may each of us live so worthily in the new year
that personally we shall not be found wanting, but when the call
shall come, we can answer, "Lord, here am I."

Joseph F. Smith.

Let Peace Abound

The first session of the Sixty-fourth Congress opened in
Washington December 6, 1915. Both the Senate and the House
met at twelve o'clock noon. This session of Congress wdl con-
sider much important business, which will be taken up after the
holidays. Our readers will be specially interested in and agree
with the prayer offered at the opening of the Senate by Rev. For-
est J. Prettyman, D. D., chaplain of the Senate, who prayed as
follows :

"Almighty God, by Thy grace and favor we are permitted to meet
again to open this session of our National Congress. We pause at the
threshold of a great responsibility to make mention of Thy name and

266 IMPROVEMENT ERA

to seek once more Thy guidance and Thy grace. Thy name has
made us great and Thy truth alone can establish us in greatness. Thy
spirit can lead us in the use of all the powers that Thou hast put at
our command, and Thy favor alone can prosper us in all our enter-
prises. We seek the spirit of refinement in every heart. We ask Thy
guidance and Thy blessing that every representative of every State
of this great Union may have enthroned in his heart the ideals of a
great Republic. We bless Thee for Thy continued favor, and seek Thy
guidance for the future days.

"Let peace abound. May the message and ministry of this great
land be that of brotherhood among mankind, and may the righteous-
ness that Thou hast revealed to us in Thy word be established, and
justice made permanent in our country.

"Hear us in this our prayer, and guide the affairs of this great
Nation to the ultimate establishment of Thine own kingdom, for Thou
art the Lord of lords and the King of kings. We make our prayer
'n Jesus' name. Amen."

So also, the opening prayer given in the House by Rev. Henry
N. Couden, D. D. :

"We stand before Thee, O God our heavenly Father, with bowed
heads and open hearts, at this the first session of a new Congress, for
we realize that without the inner light superinduced by Infinite wis-
dom, power, and purity, its work will fail of the best. Hence we most
earnestly invoke Thy favor upon all its members, that the highest con-
ceptions of statesmanship may follow in the wake of all the great
problems, national and international, which shall present themselves
for solution. Be wisdom and strength to the Speaker of this House,
that with consummate skill, justice, and equity he may preside over its
deliberations with characteristic zeal and lead on to the desired results.
Be with all who are called to serve in State or Nation, that with un-
selfish devotion to duty they may fulfill the obligations resting upon
them with fidelity and efficiency, that law and order may prevail
throughout our borders. Strengthen the arm of our President, that
he may guide the ship of state safely through the storms raging round
us to a calm and peaceful harbor; and grant, O most merciful Father,
that the war in which our sister nations are now engaged, with its de-
structive and devastating effects, may cease, that the higher and nobler
instincts of humanity may obtain and all their differences be adjusted
by the rational and peaceful methods of arbitration, that the world
may enjoy the fruits of a pea-ce which shall be forever and aye. And
to Thee, O God our Father, we will ascribe all praise, in the name of
Him who taught us to pray: Our Father which art in heaven, hal-
lowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us
our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and
the glory forever. Amen."

Where the Responsibility Rests

Collier's, in its fight against liquor, quotes, almost weekly, il-
lustrations from daily life showing the common responsibility of the
manufacturer of whiskey, the dealer, and the criminal, for the

EDITORS' TABLE 267

crimes that are committed through drink. The criminal is not all
to blame; the saloon keeper and the manufacturer are culpable
accessories.

We have recently had a case of the kind in Utah :
On the 6th of December Alexander Robertson, forty-two
years of age, was shot and killed at Eureka by his friend Elmer
Horton, a miner twenty-six years of age. Horton, we are told in
the account in the Provo Post, had been drinking heavily, and
while in one of the saloons discharged a gun into the ceiling.
Watchman Robertson, whose wife is now a widow, and whose
children are fatherless, was immediately notified, and went to the
saloon to place Horton in custody. Both men were on the most
friendly terms, and for that reason Robertson did not take the
gun away from Horton, it being his intention to place the young
man in jail until he became sober. While Robertson was unlock-
ing the door to the jail Horton, who stood behind him, fired two
shots which ended the life of his friend. He was then arrested,
charged with murder in the first degree, and when he sobered up,
he expressed deep sorrow for his awful act which he could not
even remember having committed. Aside from the fact that he
is addicted to occasional sprees, Horton was generally liked. Who
is responsible for this murder? Where should the fight on whis-
key begin ?

In this connection, also, how about the papers that advertise
whiskey ; and the men who place great posters about the fields and
streets with glaring and attractive advertisements of the curse,
before the youth of the land? As Collier's remarks: "It is the
hog-itch for profit that keeps booze going, and this means those
who boost it as well as those who make and sell it."

A Testimony

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Joseph
received instructions from the Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason
the Church has survived ; and because it has survived we are here
today. We are here, furthermore, because we have received this
te^timonv. We have accepted the true religion which embrace^
every principle of progress, righteousness, honesty and upright
ness. It excludes all hypocrisy and doubt. It brings to our spirits
an assurance that we are right, as well as what we should be and
do as men and women in our every walk of life. If this assur-
ance has not been brought to a man, he should study and prove
that he may receive it and progress. If any Church member have
a doubt about the divinity of the mission of Jesus Christ or of
Joseph Smith, it is evidence that there is something wrong with

268 IMPROVEMENT ERA

him, and not an evidence that there is anything wrong or any lack
in the gospel. If we possess doubts, we have not put ourselves
in harmony with the truth, by which we have entered the rest of
the Lord. It is true that many have not entered into God's rest.
This rest comes to those who receive the truth and thus obtain
freedom from doubt, fear, and from apprehension that they may
be wrong. Men can never enter this rest unless by effort and
prayer they so will. God cannot compel men when they will not,
they have free agency. The man who has studied and accepted the
gospel has entered into this rest ; he walks in the light as God is in
the light, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in his soul.

Joseph F. Smith.

Socials and Dancing

In the Mutual Improvement department in this number of the
Era are found vital suggestions from the General Boards of the
Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. on the subject of dancing and ball room
management. Organization, education, preparation, and the su-
pervision of dances are among the items given consideration.

All who are interested in the subject should carefully study
the sugegstions that were approved by the General Boards, and
adopt them as far as possible in the management and conduct
of their social dances in the various stakes and wards of the
Church. By so doing great improvement will be made in the gov-
ernment and conduct of the ball-room.

Attention is also called to a paper in this number by the ath-
letic director of the Brigham Young University, Mr. Eugene L.
Roberts, on social dancing and its direction, which contains many
good thoughts. As far as consistent with their local conditions
and surroundings, those who have charge of dances will do well
to follow the suggestions made. We think there is need of more
careful management and supervision, stricter order and discipline,
and greater attention to details and etiquette than now obtains in
most of our ward socials. The best and most respected talent in
social affairs should take a hand in this work, under the proper
direction of stake and ward authorities. Our socials and parties
should be leaders in refinement and propriety ; no other condition
should be tolerated by those in charge.

Messages from the Missions

Changing Ideas of "Mormonism"

Elder M. E. Wood, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, November 4:
'The mission work is growing in this city. People are changing their

EDITORS' TABLE

269

ideas of 'Mormonism,' and are beginning to realize that Joseph Smith
was a true prophet of God, and that he was the instrument in the
hands of the Lord of establishing the true Church of Christ, and in
opening up the work of the last dispensation."

LARGEST BRANCH — OLD FOLKS' RAMBLE

"This picture was taken at a 'Ramble' that we gave for the old
folks of our branch. You can see from the number who attended that
they appreciated the interest we took in them. We have a large
number of old Saints here who give us a great deal of encourage-
ment in our missionary work, and they are ever zealous to bring their
friends out to our meetings; as are also our young folks, and we feel
that they are doing a very good work along this line.

A GROUP OF OLD FOLKS AT THE RAMBLE

"We have the largest branch in the British mission here in
Bradford, which is due, to a large extent, to the interest that the
Saints and friends take in the work. The average attendance at our
Sunday evening meetings is over the hundred mark, and very often
it exceeds it by twenty or thirty. This gives us a great deal of en-
couragement, and makes it plain to us that the Lord is pleased with
the efforts put forth here.

"A great deal of prejudice has been allayed here and the people
are beginning to realize that 'Mormonism' is not the terrible monster
they have been led to believe it was. As a result, we are usually given
the privilege of explaining our views to those we come in contact with.
At our last semi-annual conference, held here a few days ago, we
had the privilege of speaking to some five hundred and sixty people.

"The Saints are feeling well in the work of the Master; and.
although nearly all our young men have been called to the colors, we
feel that that has served to make the people more humble, and has
also made them appreciate the gospel more than they ever did before.

"The picture of the elders is one taken last summer, and some
of the elders here shown have returned home. Left to rights back row:

270

IMPROVEMENT ERA

-^^Itk^j

O

■_.

,*"^^

Elijah F. Spencer, Verner O. Hewlett, N. E. Neville (Notts. Con.),
Ralph Bishop, W. Leslie Cocking. Second row, standing, Alonzo H.
Peterson, Earl S. Harper, Clyde F. Hansen, Clarence W. Smith, (Hull
Con.), W. Hazen Hillyard, Aaron T. Pingree, (Notts. Con.) Sitting:
Elmer M. Savage, Cyrene N. Bagley, Leonard B. Nielsen, Conference
President; Joseph F. Worthen, Hyrum M. Smith, Mission president;
Arthur L. Beesley, Liverpool Office; John J. Haslam, Joseph F. Smith,
III. Front: S. Evan Francis and J. LeRoy Wright.

'Our numbers are now reduced to nine elders; and, as we have
nine branches, our time is well occupied, and we are therefor happy
and enjoying the work, but are anxious to see more elders come out
from Zion. — Clyde F. Hansen, Bradford, England, Oct. 22, 1915.

L. D. S. SUNDAY SCHOOL, SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

EDITORS' TABLE

271

Sunday School in Illinois

Emma Anderson, Springfield, Illinois, November 23: "The Sun-
day school of Springfield, Illinois, was recently organized with Elder
Lawrence J. Barclay superintendent; John Jimason first, and George
Baugh, second assistant superintendents; Edna Neil, secretary; Mamie
Hodge, organist. Teachers in the various departments are Alvin S.
Reber, Herbert Halls, Emma Anderson, John Neil, Cora Hanks, John
Jimason, Alta M. Craig, and Edna Ball. Much interest and enthusi-
asm are displayed by the willing service rendered in every way. 'Our
Sunday school is the life of our branch' is the remark one often hears."

One Hundred Baptisms

Carlos S. Higgins, Darbin, Mississippi, November 10: "The
Mississippi conference was never in better condtion spiritually than

today. Over one hundred bap-
tisms were reported this past
summer; and it is glorious for
the earnest missionary to contem-
plate the large number of peo-
ple who are reaching out to un-
derstand the beauties of the
gospel as taught by the Latter-
day Saints. Many churches and
schoolhouses have been opened
to us during the summer. In
some instances, in the cities,
chairs have been brought out on
the sidewalk by business men
for the ladies, while our street
meetings were in progress. At
present we are engaged in teach-
ing the principle of tithing, and
the Saints seem to be impressed
with the tithing spirit. Elders,
standing, right, Joseph Erickson,
Springville; left, Hacel W.
Nalder, Layton; sitting, Carlos
S. Higgins, conference presi-
dent, Blackfoot, Idaho."

Preaching Granted in Streets of Georgia

Charles O. Hamilton, Atlanta, Georgia, November 10: "The photo
herewith is of our new church building recently erected in this city
and which was dedicated July 4, 1915, by Elder Rudger Clawson of
the Council of Twelve. Plans were appproved and the construction
was authorized by President Joseph F. Smith, when he was in Atlanta
November, 1914; cost $7,000. The names of the missionaries in the ac-
companying photo are, standing, A. Pulham; sitting left to right, John
C. Preston, Sister Pearl A. Hamilton and President CharlesO. Hamil-
ton. We are meeting with good success in our labors in this southern
country. The mayor of Atlanta has granted us the privilege of preach-
ing on the streets. This opportunity is the first that we have had to
preach the gospel on the streets of Atlanta, for a long time past.
Sister Hamilton has recently organized a Relief Society here, and the

272

IMPROVEMENT ERA

L. D. S. CHURCH, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

sisters are preaching the gospel and doing a noble work. The Society
has purchased a new sacrament set for our new Church, and also
placed an enlarged picture of President Charles A. Callis in the
building."

MISSIONARIES, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Priesthood Quorums' Table

Suggestive Outlines for the Deacons

by p. joseph jensen

Lesson 1

Experiences of Early Leaders and Members

Problem: How can we prepare our minds to receive the teach-
ings of the servants of the Lord?

We like to believe and do things in our own way. Sometimes
our beliefs and ways bring disorder and confusion. To enable us to
avoid conflict, in the Church, the Lord has given us his inspired ser-
vants to guide us. While all are taught this, in our Church, in many
cases we have to compel ourselves to give heed to what they tell us
we should do.

To illustrate, let us see how the Lord prepared the mind of
Joseph Smith, Sr., to receive the testimonies and teachings of his
servant and prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr. Study the lesson.

How many dream-visions did Joseph Smith, Sr., have? Do you
think they helped him to believe in revelation? Why? Do you think
they helped him to love the gospel of Jesus Christ? Why? In what
ways did Joseph's father give his approval? What is the purpose of
the Lord in having us confirmed? In what experiences have you
been prompted by the Holy Ghost? If we should act in accordance
with these promptings, what would be our actions? Answer the
problem of the lesson.

Lesson 2

Problem: What should we eat and drink and what should we
refrain from eating and drinking to help ourselves to become strong
and wise?

Eating and drinking unwholesome and poisonous things,
sometimes become habits that are hard to break. How unwise we
would think a teamster who would give his horses something that was
not food for them, and expect them to do heavy work? Or for a
fireman to feed a fire engine asbestos, and expect to get heat? Hence it
is reasonable to think that a person cannot do that which requires
physical strength, if he eats and drinks matter that is not food.

Let us see what Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, said was the pur-
pose of the Lord in giving us the Word of Wisdom.

Study the lesson, and Doc. & Cov. Sec. 89.

Answer the problem of the lesson.

Lesson 3

Problem: How may each one of us obtain promises from the
Lord that will help us to be hopeful.

All must meet discouragements in life. Realizing this, we should
fortify ourselves with the surest promises for hope. How may we ob-
tain these promises?

Study the lesson.

What was the authority Hyrum Smith received? How did he re-
ceive it? Illustrate what is meant by sealing on earth and in heaven.
Tell how his blessings came true. Who of you have had your

274 IMPROVEMENT ERA

patriarchal blessings? How may those who have not received them,
get them? Ask your parents to let you have a partiarchal blessing.
Study it and cherish in your hearts the promises of the Lord to you.
Answer the problem of the lesson.

Courses of Study, 1916

The following notice was sent to stake presidents early in De-
cember, by the General Committee.

Dear Brethren : The General Committee on Courses of Study
for the Priesthood have selected as the text book for the year 1916
for the High Priests, Seventies, Elders and Priests, "Jesus the Christ,"
by Dr. James E. Talmage. This is a book of 800 pages, but it will
be treated in one year, an outline being provided. A review of the
work appeared in the Improvement Era for October, 1915.

The Committee has in course of preparation an outline for the
book "Jesus the Christ" for which a charge will be made of 5c, and
it will be issued to the bishop of each ward about the 15th of Janu-
ary, on a basis of 30 per cent of the H'jgh Priests, Seventies, Elders
and Priests of the ward.

The text book for the Teachers will be "Acts of the Apostles,"
which will be ready for distribution early in January. The price of
the book will be made known to you later, through the columns of the
Improvement Era. The text book for the Deacons will be a book of
about 125 pages entitled "Experiences in the Lives of Early Church
Leaders and Members," and will also be ready early in January.
Both wil lbe issued to the bishop of each ward on the basis of 20 per
cent of Teachers and Deacons of that ward.

The Teachers and Deacons outlines, and the outlines for the book
"Jesus the Christ," will be sent to each bishop direct without orders;
but the text book, "Jesus the Christ," should be ordered from the
Deseret Sunday School Union Book Store or the Deseret News Book
Store; price $1.50; postpaid.

These statements are made in answer to a number of communica-
tions making inquiries in relation to the text books for 1916. All
communications concerning the Teachers and Deacons' outlines, and
the outline for the book "Jesus the Christ," should be addressed to
the Imprevement Era, No. 22 Bishop's Building, Salt Lake City.
Please give this communication publicity in your stake of Zion, and
greatly oblige

Your brethren in the Gospel,
The General Committee on Courses of Study for the Priesthood,

Rudger Clawson, Chairman.
David A. Smith, Secretary,

Helping Returned Missionaries

A number of stakes of Zion have organized a committee of high
councilmen, under the direction of the presidency of the stake, to look
after the organization of similar committees under the direction of
the bishoprics in the wards, to look after returned missionaries. This
has been found to be very necessary, in order to keep the missionaries
in the harness after their return home, as far as pertains to religious
duties, and also to aid them as far as possible in obtaining employment
congenial to their circumstances and advancement. After a person
has been away for two or three years in the mission field, it is difficult
without a little aid from the brethren at home to get a start again.

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE

275

In doing so, many missionaries, who are generally without funds, bend
their whole energies towards material things, and thus lose some in-
terest in Church work and affairs. The purpose of these committees
is to enlist their sympathies in ward and stake work, and at the same
time aid them in obtaining employment so that this work can be
continued by them. It is a splendid arrangement, and should receive
encouragement throughout the whole Church. Much good we believe
could be accomplished in this way, and great strength be added to the
wards and stakes if these splendid workers, returned from the mission
field, could be continually kept in the harness in the service of the
Lord. The work of the bishop as well as the presidency of the stake
v/ould be largely accelerated by them, and at the same time they them-
selves would continue to reap the benefit both spiritually and tem-
porally.

An organization of this kind has been established in the Liberty
stake of Zion where all the missionaries who have ever been absent
upon a mission and who have returned are listed and looked after, and
their conditions and labors are looked into, aid being rendered wherever
found necessary. It appears that in the Liberty stake there are 374
returned missionaries, and that out of this number only 85 are not
performing any duties in the Church. There is a committee in each
ward, supervised by the chairman of the stake committee, President
Frank J. Hewlett, late of the South African mission. We think the
idea is an excellent one for other stakes to adopt, in fact we understand
that it has been recommended by the authorities that these efforts be
generally put forth in aid of the returned missionaries.

Ward Teaching

The following bulletin of ward teaching for October, 1915, is re-
ceived and was compiled by the Presiding Bishop's Office, November
19. It shows the percentage of families visited during October in
each stake:

Alberta 50

Alpine 62

Bannock 40

Bear Lake 94

Bear River 60

Beaver 32

Benson 39

Big Horn 41

Bingham 13

Blackfoot 23

Boise **

Box Elder 100

Cache 61

Carbon 29.4

Cassia 63

Cottonwood 42

Curlew 70

Deseret 47

Duchesne *

Emery 63

Ensign 83

Fremont 62

Granite 57

Hyrum 41

♦Not reported.

Jordan 45

Juab 59

Juarez *

Kanab 12

Liberty 95

Malad 36

Maricopa 84

Millard 47

Moapa *

Morgan 53

Nebo 49

North Davis 100

North Sanpete ... 84
North Weber .... 69

Ogden 100

Oneida 100

Panguitch *

Parowan 6

Pioneer 72

Pocatello *

Portneuf 28

Raft River 32

Rigby *

St. George 53

♦♦Incomplete.

St. Johns *

St. Joseph 27

Salt Lake 80

San Juan 14

San Luis 56

Sevier 6

Shelley 34

Snownake 76

South Davis .... 98
South Sanpete . . 59

Star Valley 32

Summit 44

Taylor *

Teton *

Tooele 50

Uintah *

Union 38

Utah 50

Wasatch ♦

Wayne 14

Weber 98

Woodruff 41

Yellowstone .... 29
Young 84

Mutual Work

Social Committee

Dancing and Bail-Room Management

For one week, from November 15 to 20, a convention of repre-
sentatives from some of the Church schools, and from several state
high schools was held in the Deseret Gymnasium to consider the sub-
ject of dancing. There were also present a number of Mutual Im-
provement workers from different parts of the Church. The conven-
tion was a great success, in that those who have charge of dancing
came to an understanding as to what they thought should be insisted
upon in the matter of government and conduct of dances; and also
received from specially competent teachers instructions in the art of
dancing. A summary, compiled by Arthur Welling, was given to the
General Boards of M. I. A. who considered it, and recommended the
following revised extracts:

Organization; Preparation; Education; Supervision

To have social committes, backed by the Priesthood and Auxiliary
workers of the stake and wards, is organization.

To know just what to do and how to do it, is preparation.

To quietly but effectively convince the orchestra, and the dancing
public that we know what we are about, and that the dance must be
conducted according to the rules, is education.

To see that the dance is so conducted, resulting in wholesome en-
joyment, is supervision.

The Hall — It should be clean and cozy, simply and appropriately
decorated, and well lighted. There should be dressing rooms for the
ladies and for the gentlemen.

The Floor — It should be smooth but not too slippery.

Floor Manager or Director of the Dance — He is the executive
officer or representative of the committee. As such he has supervision
of hall, orchestra, and program, and is the duly constituted judge as to
what is proper and what is improper in dancing and deportment.

Among the duties of the director are these:

(a) To follow the program, preserving the identity of the dance
called for.

(b) To insist upon correct position and to encourage the use of
standard figures or steps.

(c) To tactfully but courageously exclude undesirable persons,
and to see that tobacco, liquor, and bad language are not permitted
in or about the building.

(d) To pass upon the fitness of the music, and if necessary give
directions to the orchestra as to what to and what not to play.

Manifestly, the director and his assistants must be prepared.

Music — The music of the dance should be quiet and refined. Only
those tunes which are suited to the dance in question should be toler-
ated and the proper tempo should be insisted upon, that the spirit as
well as the identity of the dance may be preserved.

Programs — Printed programs give "tone" to a party, and make for
refinement. Young men should be instructed in the use of the pro-
gram, and in the attention each owes to the filling of his partner's
program.

MUTUAL WORK 277

Punctuality — Punctuality has its virtues in the dance as else-
where. Director, orchestra, and reception committee should be on
hand at eight o'clock. They should make it worth the while of those
who come early.

While dancers are gathering, orchestra may play appropriate pre-
ludes. At the appointed time the dance should be opened with prayer.
Dispense with "Home, Sweet Home" medley. Close with prayer.

Position — Position should be easy and graceful. There should be
no contact other than the necessary contact of hands and arms. Keep
the movement down in the feet, not un in the hips, shoulders, and
arms.

Chaperones — Patrons and chaperones lend "tone" and atmosphere
of conservatism much to be desired, as well as adding an element of
real safety.

Young ladies who have no invitations from young men may come
if properly chaperoned, but should not accept company home other
than that with which they came.

Young men should bring partners and their coming without should
be strongly discouraged if not forbidden.

Cultivate the "wall-flower" out of existence.

Cultivate the "home-flower-girl" into existence socially.

Approach this social work with cheery optimism, not as a gloomy
reformer. All things worth while take time. The task is not too big.
Whether they admit it or not, our young people desire direction into
ways of culture and refinement. Our task is to make sure that we do
not "turn them off the right track by pointing it out to them in the
wrong way." Have the courage to be conservative.

Thomas Hull,
Chairman Committee on Social Work M. I. A.

Athletics and Scout Work

Scout Organizations in Country Settlements

Several questions have come to the office relating to the possi-
bility of having a sucessful scout organization in a country ward.
With a view to getting first-hand information as to whether or not
this could actually be done, Scout Commissioner Dr. Tohn H. Taylor
addressed some questions to a number of settlements where scouts
have been organized from one to two years, and from the many re-
plies that have been received we are enabled emphatically to say that
it is just as advisable, possible, practicable, and beneficial, to have a
scout organization in a country settlement, or ward, as it is in a city
ward; not only that, but the success of the organization is quite as cer-
tain in the country as it is in the city.

River Heights, Cache county, with a population of 23U people,
mostly engaged in the farming industry, has a boy scout organization
of 19 boys, and has had it for two years. Abraham Loser is the scout
master. They meet once a week in the meetinghouse, and have pre-
pared for their work by the study of the scout books. The work
among the boys is very satisfactory. The scout master has been
studying the duties of a scout master about three years All the
training he has had is from the "Hand Book for Boys, Hand Book
for Scout Masters," "Boys' Life" and "Scouting," and instructions in
"The Y M. M. I. A. Hand Book" and Era, and he says that he gets
all the information he needs, to meet all the questions of the troop, by
reading these books and magazines.

278 IMPROVEMENT ERA

South Jordan, in Salt Lake county, population 500, reports 20 boys
who have been organized for two years. James E. Wardle is the scout
master. He has had no special training, except what he has picked
up from the scout publications. The endorsement and aid of the whole
community have been given to him, and good results are shown. There
is better discipline and order in meetings, and the good accomplished
by doing the "daily good turn" is evident everywhere. Under the co-
operation of the parents the boys have taken two "hikes." The older
boys -are imitating the younger ones in some of the good things they
are doing.

Scores of similar statements, from small country settlements, in
Utah and Idaho, are at hand and could be added. Yes; it is possible
to have a sucessful scout organization in a country ward.

Are Boy Scout Organizations Military?

In reference to a telegram of Dec. 6, announcing the resignation
of Ernest Thompson Seton, naturalist and writer of books on nature,
also Chief Scout of the Boys Scouts of America, on the grounds that,
"militarism now comes first, and not woodcraft, the original purpose
of the movement," this from a November, 1915, issue of "Scouting,"
is significant. "Scouting" is a paper published semi-monthly by the
national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America, for scout of-
ficials and others interested in work for boys:

"The following report was adopted at the seventeenth annual con-
vention of the Georgia Federation of Labor, held in Columbus,
Georgia, April 21-24. This is the report submitted by a special com-
mittee appointed to investigate the Boy Scout movement:

" 'The ideals and activities of the Boy Scouts of America are for
peace, and the building up of body, mind and character. The rifle is
not a part of their equipment.

" 'The committee believes from their findings that the Boy Scouts
of America is an organization that, under its present policy, is a de-
veloper of the best qualities in a boy, and we think that any move-
ment that has for its ultimate object the molding of better citizens
should be encouraged.' "

"The Boy Scouts of America 'Hand Book for Boys,' 1915 edition,
says: 'As an organization the scout movement is not military in
thought, form, or spirit, although it does instil in the boy the military
virtues such as honor, loyalty, obedience and patriotism.'

"As to uniforms: 'It should be clearly understood by all interested
in the scout movement that it is not necessary for a boy to have a
uniform or any special equipment to carry out the scout program.'

"As to drill formation: 'Drill and marching are valuable because
of the qualities they develop in the individual boy, such as obedience
to command, mental and physical alertness, and a good carriage."

"The aim of the Boy Scouts is to supplement the various exist-
ing educational agencies, and to promote the ability in boys to do
things for themselves and others. The method is summed up in the
term 'Scoutcraft' and is a combination of observation, deduction, and
handiness or the ability to do things. Scoutcraft includes instruc-
tion in first-aid, life-saving, tracking, signaling, cycling, nature study,
seamanship, campcraft, woodcraft, chivalry, patriotism and other sub-
jects."

Mr. Ernest Thompson Seton is a writer of international reputation
on woodcraft and kindred subjects. It is to be regretted that his
resignation as Chief Scout has been tendered to the National Organ-
ization. He has announced the formation of the Woodcrafts League,

MUTUAL WORK 279

and has invited members of the Boy Scouts to join it. Commenting
on his action, Mr. Seton is reported to have said:

"When Baden-Powell and I organized the Boy Scouts of Eng-
land in 1908, and the Boy Scouts of America in 1910, our purpose was
to make all young people of the two countries outdoor children by
teaching them the joys of outdoor life. As originally formed, the
Scouts of America were to bear a message of conservation and broth-
erhood.

"The study of trees, flowers and nature is giving way to wig-
wagging drills, and other activities of a military nature, thus destroy-
ing the original aims of the organization. As it stands now, militar-
ism comes first and woodcraft second."

In this connection the following from "Scouting" of December 15,
meets with our approval, and we believe will be approved by all M. I.
A. scouts and officers:

"I am unalterably opposed to a military training for boys of the
scout age; after they have passed that age, they are out of my line, I
am only interested in the formation period. As General Fred Grant
stated to me, 'your work is constructive, my work as a soldier is de-
structive.' And that is just the difference between the boy educated
as a scout and the boy trained as a soldier.

"It is manifestly wrong to train a boy of tender years to destruc-
tive work. In all that I have said here, I am not to be understood as
stating that soldiers in the present state of civilization are not neces-
sary, what I claim is that it is not necessary and it is wrong to train
young boys to destructive work.

"Very cordially yours,
"Signed, Daniel C. Beard,

"National Scout Commissioner and Member of Executive Board."

Stake Work

M. I. A. Covers a Large Area

Elder W. G. Sears, writing from Bountiful, Utah, December 6,
says: "Here is one from California. The influence of M. I. A. cer-
tainly covers a large area." Then he copies this letter addressed
to him:

"I thank you very much for the manual. I have already attended
two sessions of the M. I. A. in Oakland, and find the classes very in-
reresting. The class leader is Brother Thomas B. Brighton who is
here on a Thompson scholarship, doing graduate work in chemistry.
I appreciate your interest in my religious welfare. — Sincerely. — Phil
S. Grant."

The influence of M. I. A. work certainly does cover a large area,
and while it sometimes looks discouraging to those who are in the
battle front, we believe that the Lord is blessing the efforts of the
workers in the cause, and that much good is being done in our organ-
izations. We are hopeful that fathers and mothers and the priesthood
of the Church will support and sustain the efforts that are being made
by the associations looking to the advancement and development of
our young people.

Reserved for M. I. A.

The Liberty stake M. I. A. officers have printed a neat card to be
placed in a conspicuous place in the homes of the people throughout
the stake. It reads:

280 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Reserved

The Tuesday evening of each week for Mutual Improvement.
With health and strength to bless us, we shall endeavor to re-
member our reservation; because,
We like association;
We enjoy proper diversion;
We appreciate intellectual uplift;
We cherish a longing for the better life.

Both Progressive and Effective

Ludvig S. Dale, Field Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America,
who visited Salt Lake City at the annual conference of the Young
Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations in June,
wrote, under date of July 10, 1915, saying to Pres. Heber J. Grant:

"One of the most pleasant memories I have of the tour was the
opportunity afforded me to study at first hand the 'Mormon' Church.
Surely no one could have been more courteously received than I was;
nor indeed does it happen every day that I meet men who are so
whole-heartedly interested in the welfare of the coming generation.
All in all, it seems to me, that your organizations for young people
are both progressive and effective, and this being the case, there can be
no doubt as to the results so far as the future is concerned."

Class Study

A Suggestive Preliminary Program

Hymns: "I Have Work Enough to Do," S. S. Song Book, p. 60;
"Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel," S. S. Song Book, p. 178.

Talk, (10 min.) "The Blessing of Work."

Solo, "Song of the Armorer," by Nevin; or, "The Village Black-
smith," by Weis.

Story, (5 min.) "Be Up and Doing," p. 73, Y. M. M. I. A. Junior
Manual, 1914-15; or, "Honest Work Wins," p. 9 Y. M. M. I. A. Junior
Manual, 1915-16.

Reading Course

The Purpose of the Reading Course in the Pennant Contest

It has come to the notice of the General Board that a number of
the wards are diligently pushing the reading of the books of the
reading course with a view to having everybody report points for the
association in the pennant contest. This is all excellent, as far as
it goes, and the proper thing to do, but it should be held in mind
that the purpose of having people read the books provided, is not en-
tirely to get scores. Officers who urge the reading of these books
should be instructed to point out the benefits that will accrue to those
who read them deliberately, and with a view to getting good out of
them. It is true that the contest is one of the methods that has been
adopted to encourage reading of the course and to increase the points
for the different wards and stakes, but this is not the sole nor the main
end in view. The great purpose is to benefit the readers, and this
cannot be done unless the books are read with care, and in a way that
will impress their contents upon the reader.

MUTUAL WORK 281

Committee on Era and Fund

M. I. A. Fund

Officers will remember that a special appeal for Fund, as per "Hand
Book, page 111, was made at the fall conventions. The General Fund
was to be collected on the night of October 15, throughout the Church
A number of wards responded and have sent in their 100 per cent of
the Fund promptly, to this office, but the number of wards was not
sufficient for the General Board to feel safe in planning for future
help, which they are so anxious to give. A further appeal, therefore,
has been made by special letter to the officers to have the wards raise
the funds no later than January 10. Statements have been sent out
in connection with the letters, so that each ward may know exactly
how it stands. In case any ward has the Fund on hand, but has not
turned it in, the officers are asked to remit at once to the General
Secretary. Brethren, the amount Requested is very small, for the in-
dividual; but on the whole, if all do their part, great results are pos-
sible from it in our work. The Board appeals to you to act promptly.

The Improvement Era

Lists of the number of subscribers for the Era, that have come
in from each ward up to Dec. 10, have been forwarded to the stake
superintendents, who are requested to notify immediately each ward
of its standing, and to ascertain if the canvass has been thoroughly
made, with a view to giving each family an opportunity to subscribe
for volume 19. If this has not been done, the work should be taken
up immediately, in the true missionary, gospel spirit. All that the
General Board ask is that the canvass be thoroughly made and the
work of the Era properly set before the people. It will speak for
itself. The officers are requested to look into this matter now, so that
new subscribers may receive the magazine without undue delay.

A New Book of Poems

The Deseret News presses have issued a second edition of Em-
meline B. Wells' poems, the first having been printed nineteen years
ago and long since exhausted. Besides the verses appearing in the
old edition, the present will contain thirty-five additional poems writ-
ten recently, though there are some older ones that could not be found
for the first edition- A portrait of the author, taken twenty years
ago, forms the frontispiece. Preceding the added poems is a beautiful
picture of the author as she appears today. The beloved personality
as well as the literary ability of the author, who is now in her 88th
year, will add to the popularity of the book, and it is quite certain
that the new edition will be exhausted immediately upon publica-
tion. Sister Wells has been identified with Utah since the second
year of its settlement, and is one of the most prominent and repre-
sentative women of the West. For forty years she was editor of
the "Woman's Exponent," and she is now the honored president of
the Woman's Relief Society, with which she has been connected nearly
all her days. She is a lovable and interesting character in the
Church, and is still full of good works. Her tender verses, whose
sentiments are founded in deep trial and rich experience, will be read
with pleasure by all.

Passing Events

Winston Spencer Churchill, former first lord of the admiralty, and
chancellor of the Duchy 0f Lancaster, left for the battle front
in the uniform of his regiment, November 17, last, as major of the
Queen's own Oxfordshire hussars.

Prof. Alexander Lewis, for thirty-four years the director of the
Logan Tabernacle choir and the leader of the temple choir in that city
for many years, died in Logan, November 20, 1915. He was born
February 3, 1833, in South Wales, and came to Logan in 1865.

The extension of railroads in Utah has received much discussion
lately in the papers. The building of a line to the Uintah reserva-
tion by the Denver and Rio Grande is an uppermost topic in railway
circles, and we are told that millions of dollars will be expended in the
extension of the Gould lines.

The coronation of the mikado of Japan, Yoshihito, was held at
Kyoto, on the 10th of November, 1915, amid spectacular ceremonies,
witnessed by the people of Japan and representatives of foreign
countries, for the first time in the history of the country. The cere-
monies which covered a period of three, weeks cost approximately five
million dollars.

The Canadian government took over all the high-grade wheat on
November 28, in the elevators of the country east of Fort William,
amounting, according to estimates in the press, to about twenty mil-
lion bushels. The government will pay the owners at once, and ship
the wheat to the allied countries, principally to England and France.
This step was taken in order to prevent wheat from rising to an ex-
horbitant price.

Christopher O. Folkman, pioneer of Plain City, died in Plain
City, Utah, in early November, 1915, and his funeral services were
held in the meetinghouse November 18. He was 89 years old, being
born in Bornholm, Denmark. He came to Utah in 1858. He filled
three misssions to the Scandinavian countries, covering a period of
twelve years. He is survived by nine sons and one brother, J. G.
Folkman, who is ninety-two years old.

Samuel R. Bennion, one of the founders of Uintah valley, and a
Utah pioneer who came to Salt Lake in October, 1847, died in Vernal
November 17, 1915. He was born in Nauvoo, Illinois, November 10,
1842. His parents settled in Taylorsville where he lived until called
to help settle the Uintah valley. He was president of the Uintah stake
of Zion for over twenty years. He is survived by his wife and eleven
children.

Armenian massacres have appalled the world. The American
committee reported that a careful survey of the village of Can shows
that 55,000 persons were massacred in that district alone, and they
believe that the Turks have slain at least one million Armenians.
All aid for the sufferers is blocked by the Turkish authorities who will
not permit anyone to do anything to preserve the lives of a race whom
they declare disloyal to the Turkish rule.

Neutrality violations were charged against officials and employees
of the Hamburg-American line in New York. They were accused of
conspiring to defraud the government of the United States by send-
ing out vessels loaded with coal for German cruisers and commerce

PASSING EVENTS 283

raiders, under false clearance papers. They admitted the overt acts
charged and that they had disbursed $1,500,000 for this purpose, but
denied that those acts were part of a conspiracy to defraud the gov-
ernment.

Yuan Shih-Kai has announced that the republic of China will
cease, and that he will declare himself emperor. Japan, Russia and
Great Britain, some weeks ago, made official suggestions to the
Chinese government that they postpone the decision of the question
of returning to a monarchial form of government. China declined
to accede to the suggestion. The reason the powers objected to China
making so momentous a change during the European war was that the
foreign nations would be unable to properly protect their citizens in
case of disorders or insurrections.

Lord and Lady Aberdeen visited Salt Lake during the early part
of December and spoke in the Salt Lake Theatre for the benefit and
relief of Irish children. Lord and Lady Aberdeen also visited Proyo,
Ogden, Logan and other parts of the state. Committees of leading
men and women met them in each instance, and entertained them
during their stay. A luncheon was given at the Alta Club in their
honor, by Governor Wm. Spry and Mayor Samuel C. Park of Salt Lake
City. Lady Aberdeen is the president of the International Council of
Women and during her stay was entertained by local club women, the
principal function being a luncheon at the Hotel Utah, on Decem-
ber 11.

The Carranza government in Mexico has been recognized by a
number of the nations, Spain having recently joined the number.
During the latter part of November, Villa was defeated at Nogales.
The whereabouts of General Villa is not clearly known but after the
fighting at Cananea resulting in the defeat of his forces the remnants
of his army under General Rodriguez were reported withdrawing to
the interior of Sonora. The head of General Juan B. Hernandez, 80
years old, an intimate friend of former President Diaz, was sent by
Luna Gaticia to General Pablo Gonzalez, commander of Mexico City,
as a "Christmas present" from Vera Cruz. Advices dated December
20 state that Villa has abandoned his army and will seek refuge in the
United States.

Henry Ford, the automobile manufacturer, and a Peace party con-
sisting of: Gov. Hanna, of North Dakota; Judge B. B. Lindsey, Jane
Addams Dr. Washington Gladden, Mme. Rosika Schwimmer, and
many others, left New York on the 4th of December, on a Norwegian
liner, "Oscar II." Mr. Ford called it a Peace expedition to the
neutral countries of Europe, and the purpose was to press plans of
peace for the early termination of the great war. Two steamers
were chartered to take the party to Norway from whence they will
communicate and visit with other parts of Europe. The authorities
at Washington declined to give the party their support, and refused
to issue pass ports for the party to visit belligerent countries. Mr.
Ford took sick on his arrival in Norway, and returned to America,
having first given his check for $270,000 to continue thework.

The national budget Secretary McAdoo made public on Novem-
ber 25 suggests legislation that Congress must enact to meet the
expected deficit in the national revenue, and the expenditures that the
army and navy increase will require. He proposed that Congress shall
re-enact the emergency revenue taxation law, return the tariff tax on
sugar, increase taxation on individual and corporate incomes reduce
the limit of exemption from the income tax, provide for taxation on

284 IMPROVEMENT ERA

gasoline, crude and refined oils, and automobile and other internal
combustion engines. He estimated that nearly $113, 000,000 additional
revenue must be found for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1917, Pres-
ident Wilson reiterated these recommendations in his message to
Congress.

The Great War. The campaign in Serbia, it was declared by
Berlin, closed with the end of November, its object having been ac-
complished. The Germans report over one hundred thousand Serbians
taken prisoners, and the remnants of the disorganized northern army
driven back into the Montenegran hills. The Serbians deny that more
than fifteen thousand prisoners had been lost. The Germans at this
writing control the oriental railway, and almost all of northern
Serbia. Most of the German troops are concentrated on the Ruman-
ian frontier, to guard against the Russian advance up the Danube
through Rumania. It was generally conceded about the middle of
December that the allied forces which had entered Mesopotamia from
the south, forcing their way towards Bagdad, had been practically
defeated, and that the German forces are in control as far south as
Bagdad. The British withdrew from positions in Gallipoli Dec. 20.

The "Ancona" affair continued to attract attention and the latest
report is that 208 people lost their lives when an Austrian submarine
sunk the Italian steamer some weeks ago- Out of this number five were
naturalized American citizens. The government of the United States
demanded of Australia, on December 6, that the imperial and royal
government denounce the "sinking of the 'Ancona' as an illegal and in-
defensible act, and that the officers who perpetrated the deed be
punished; and that reparation by the payment of an indemnity be
made for the citizens of the United States who were killed or injured
by the attack on the vessel. The government demanded a prompt
reply and expressed the belief that the Austro-Hungarian government
would not sanction or defend an act condemned by the world as
inhuman and barbarous which has caused the death of innocent
American citizens. The Austrian government replied upholding the
captain of the submarine in sinking the "Ancona." The relations be-
tween the United States and Austria stood at the breaking point, on
December 20.

The President's message to Congress contained a momentous
paragraph relating to the disloyalty of certain foreign-born Americans,
"who have poured the poison of disloyalty into the very arteries of our
national life." He maintains that "the greatest threats against our
peace and safety, have been uttered within our own borders," and he
requests federal laws to deal with these conditions. This part of his
message has, perhaps, elicited wider applause, as well as more bitter
disapproval in certain quarters, than any other feature of the message.

The main part of the President's message, however, was a discus-
sion of the national defenses, and while he asks for a great increase
in the army and navy, military aims are denied in his declaration that,
"we shall always see to it that our military peace establishment, is no
larger than is actually and continuously needed for the uses of days
in which no enemies move against us." He adds, however, "we do
believe in a body of free citizens ready and sufficient to take care of
themselves and of the governments which they have set up to serve
them." His recommendations for preparedness follow Secretary
Daniels' program, made public some weeks ago, and contemplates a
very large increase in the standing army — from 108,000 to 142,000 for
times of peace, with a citizen soldiery of 400,000; also the construc-
tion, within five years, of ten great battleships, with many cruisers,

PASSING EVENTS

285

destroyers, submarines, ammunition ships, and the addition of 11,500
men to the personnel of the navy. He deals with financing these pro-
posed additions to the army and navy, by suggesting different internal
taxes. The extra expense will amount to probably $112,000,000. He
is opposed to raising the money by national bond issues.

These young ladies, with Bishop James G. Wood, of Clearfield,
Utah, were with the crowds that attended the Round-up at Logan,

where they spent several days in
a most profitable and interesting
manner. "This great meeting im-
pressed me," writes Bishop Wood,
"with the fact that the home life is
one of the most potent factors in
the foundation of character. Very
few children who come from happy
homes go astray. There are many
excellent mothers, but compara-
tively few fathers who have
learned the secret of getting into a
boy's heart, keeing his sympathies,
guarding his appetite, developing
his virtue, and building him into a
manly man. There is truth in the
old saying: 'The "hand that rocks
the cradle is the hand that rules
the world.' Nevertheless, if the boy
is to be saved, the father must do
his part. Prof. O. H. Benson of
Washington, D. C., who was pres-
ent at the Round-up, proved that
the education of the last half
century has had a tendency to di-
vert the child from the home,
through the lack of practical edu-
cation. He would much rather his
children take up practical work, when seven or eight years of age, and
that, too, on the farm. In the home two-thirds of the time of the boys
should be spent in vocational work, and the girls brought back to the
kitchen and dining room, prepared for what God has designed them to
become. He congratulated Vernice Roberts, 13 years of age, for
taking the first prize for making the best bread. She should have had
a double prize because she gained her knowledge at home, for she is
an expert house keeper, even at her age; and all thoughtful people will
realize that she has saved her mother much labor. As to her school-
ing, she is the equal of any girl her age. Susan B. Wood, also of
Clearfield, received the first prize for growing the best potatoes in the
state, on school grounds. These two young girls enjoyed and appreci-
ated a free pass arid a three-weeks' course at the Agricultural Col-
lege. They attended many demonstration meetings, and had the
pleasure of meeting and shaking hands with many prominent people
of the East and the West. Professor Benson was particularly inter-
ested in seeing the parents present with their children. He spoke
highly of the people of Utah for encouraging their children in their
temporal work. He closed his illustrated demonstration and lectures
with a portraiture of Jesus Christ, the character Builder, the perfect
Being, the correct Ideal. He was not above carrying water for his
mother, or working at the carpenter bench for his father."

VERNICE ROBERTS AND SUSAN S. WOOD,

PRIZE WINNERS AT THE RECENT UTAH

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE ROUNDUP.

Captain Boy-Ed and Von Papen, military and naval attaches of the Ger-
man embassy, were recalled in early December on request of the gov-
ernment of the United States, for their pernicious activity in labor dis-
turbances, and bomb-handling in munition plants and ships for weeks past.
They will suffer the same fate as the Austrian Ambassador Dumba did.

Questions for M. I. A. Officers for January:

1. Stale briefly what is being done in your stake on vocations and
industries.

2. Name the ward in your stake that has the largest attendance accord-
ing to population and give reasons why.

3. In how many wards have you reached 12%?

4. What are your difficulties in the promotion of scout work?

5. What methods have you adopted to maintain order in the classes
and discipline?

Improvement Era, January, 1916

Two Dollars per Annum with Manual Free
Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter.

Address, 20 Bishop's Building, Salt Lake City, Utah

Joseph F. Smith, ) Editors Heber J. Grant, Business Manager

Edward H. Anderson, f Moroni Snow, Assistant

Winter — From Medallion by Thorvaldsen Frontispiece

The Letter. A Poem Alfred Lambourne 191

Is Man Immortal? Joseph F. Smith, Jr 193

Blessings from the Tragedies of Life Orson F. Whitney 200

Jed at the Old Academy. A Story Ida Stewart Peay 202

Midsummer on the Wasatch Summits Alfred Lambourne 212

Ooutlines for Scout Workers. Illustrated Delbert W. Parratt, B. S.. . 214

Reverence in Worship Aubrey Parker 217

Live Today Elsie C. Carroll 218

Thoughts of a Farmer Dr. Joseph M. Tanner 220

Human Nature Not Explained by Evolution . . . Robert C. Webb 221

Duty is Privilege Minnie I verson 23 1

Scenes at the Panama- California Exposition 233

Good Roads 234

For the Consideration of Parents Dr. John H. Taylor 237

Mother Passes Through the Shadows. "Home

Evening." Story Elizabeth Cannon Porter. 241

The Island of Samos. Illustrated Lydia D. Alder 249

Waste in Spelling Mosiah Hall 253

Social Dancing and its Direction E. L. Roberts 255

Federal Aid to Vocational Education Frank S. Harris, Ph. D.. . 259

"Even the Waves and the Sea Obey Him"... Dr. James E. Talmage. . . . 261

The Joy of Living and Serving Annie G. Lauritzen 263

Editors' Table — New Years Greeting Prest. Joseph F. Smith. . . . 264

Let Peace Abound 265

Where the Responsibility Rests 266

A Testimony Prest. Joseph F. Smith . . . 267

Socials and Dancing 268

Messages from the Missions 268

Priesthood Quorums' Table 273

Mutual Work 276

Passing Events 282

THANK YOU!

FOR YOUR PART IN
MAKING 1915 SUCH A
GOOD YEAR FOR US.
OUR BUSINESS IN-
CREASED VERY SATIS-
FACTORILY OVER 1914.
LET US HELP YOU
SELECT YOUR BOOKS.
IT'S OUR BUSINESS TO
KNOW GOOD BOOKS.

DESERET SUNDAY

SCHOOL UNION BOOK

STORE

44 East on South Temple
Salt Lake City

Joseph Smith

As

Scientist

By Dr. John A. Widtsoe

One of the best scientific exposi-
tions of the teachings of the
Prophet Joseph Smith yet pub-
lished.

PRICES:

Cloth Binding 75c

Paper Binding 25c

Send orders to

MORONI SNOW,

General Secretary,
20-22 Bishop's Building,

Salt Lake City.

BOTH PHONES S51

Jos, Wm. Taylor

Utah's Leading Undertaker
and Licensed Embalmer.

Fin* Funeral Chapal, Private
Parlor. Show Rooms as4 Morgua

OFFI01 OPEN DJ AND NIGHT

91, IS and M South Weat Temp!* SI.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

9

thletic Organizations

Both Church and School

OFFICIAL
| INDOOR BALL

willfind it greatly to their profit to consult us about their

Season 9s Requirements.

Send postal for 150 page free catalog and for information about our special prices
to clubs.

BROWNING BROS. CO., Ogden, Utah

WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION THE IMPROVEMENT ERA

A Great Man
Has Said:

"No man or ivoman can
go through Life and get the
most and best out of it with-
out a thorough knowledge
and appreciation of GOOD
MUSIC"

A piano or player-piano in
the home is the best way to
acquire this knowledge and
appreciation of good music.

Send for Free Postpaid Catalogues

of world-famous pianos and player-pianos offered at the same prices
and terms you could secure right at the Eastern factories.

We also have on hand a Representative
Stock of slightly used pianos and player-
pianos at half to one-third original prices

"OLDER THAN THFl STATE OF" UTAH'"

LIFE INSURANCE

Protects your family if you die
Protects you if you live

Ask about our plan which helps you to accumulate

an estate at the same time you are protecting your family.

WE WANT GOOD AGENTS IN EVERY TOWN

Beneficial Life Insurance Company

Vermont Bldg., Salt Lake

ASSETS
MORE
THAN A
MILLION
DOLLARS

JoKph F. Smith, President

Lorenzo N. Stohl.Vice-Pre*. & Mgr.

DIRECTORS

&MAcmNt

,</(ompanv

JOSEPH F. SMITH
W. S. McCORNICK

FRANCIS M. LYMAN
THOS. R. CUTLER

WILLIAM SPRY
HEBER SCOWCROFT

W. W. ARMSTRONG

CEO. T. ODELL
G. G. WRIGHT

JAMES H. MOYLE
C. S. BURTON

JAS. I_ WRATHALL
GEO. D. KEYSER

GRANT HAMPTON

WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION THE IMPROVEMENT ERA